Judge weeks from next checkpoint before return

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Aaron Judge is showing signs of improvement from his rib stress fracture but still faces an uncertain timeline for his return to the Yankees after nearly four weeks sidelined. His absence has weakened the team's lineup, prompting continued adjustments as players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. recover and Cody Bellinger works through a slump.

Aaron Judge is beginning to experience some relief from the stress fracture in his rib, though a clear timeline for his return to the New York Yankees remains uncertain. The team’s captain has been sidelined for nearly four weeks following the injury, which he reportedly sustained during a dive in Houston on April 26.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided an update Tuesday before the team faced the Detroit Tigers in The Bronx, indicating that Judge’s condition is improving but still requires additional medical evaluation. Judge was initially expected to undergo further imaging in approximately four to six weeks, and Boone stated that the next scan to assess healing is still several weeks away.

“He was uncomfortable there for a while,” Boone said. “It seems like the normal stuff is starting to feel better, so hopefully that’s a good sign of some healing.” Since undergoing tests in early June, Judge has been unable to participate in baseball activities but has been focusing on workouts in the weight room to maintain lower-body strength.

Judge’s absence has left a significant void in the Yankees’ lineup, considering his standing as one of the premier hitters in the sport this season.

In other team news, Jazz Chisholm Jr. expressed optimism about his availability following a collision with Jasson Domínguez in Monday’s game. Chisholm left in the fourth inning after an on-field incident where he was clotheslined by Domínguez while pursuing a fly ball.

“Felt like I got punched in the face,” Chisholm said of the impact.

He must clear one final test to exit concussion protocol, manager Boone noted, with José Caballero taking the start at second base in the meantime.

Additionally, Cody Bellinger was removed from the starting lineup amid a significant slump, batting just .122 with a .396 OPS over his previous 12 games. Boone expressed confidence that Bellinger will rebound and suggested that the day off could help him reset.

To face left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal, the Yankees adjusted their outfield with Max Schuemann starting in left field, Spencer Jones in center, and Jasson Domínguez in right.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.