New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has been cleared to participate in light activities, including running outdoors and upper-body resistance training, as he attempts to return from a fractured right rib.
Judge participated in a pregame workout on the field Wednesday at Yankee Stadium, one day after imaging showed he had healed enough to take these steps, New York manager Aaron Boone told reporters.
“It’s an important part of his progression to get back with us,” Boone said. “It’s good to see him with his pinstripes on and cleats, heading out onto the field in the afternoon, certainly.”
Judge, a three-time American League MVP, is adamant his season isn’t over.
“I’ll be back this season,” Judge said. “I don’t know why I wouldn’t be. That was always the plan, to come back sooner than later, definitely. I never had a thought of not playing this year.”
Judge last played in a game on May 31. He has stated he injured the rib on a diving catch attempt on May 26 in Houston against the Astros.
Judge said he was eager to hit the field after learning of Tuesday’s positive results.
“I just got the scan and the minute they said we’re going to start running, I said, ‘All right, I’ll see you outside,'” Judge said. “I kind of forced them on that one. Hopefully whenever we get a game plan, you guys will be somewhere on the list and we’ll let you guys know.”
The Yankees are hoping Judge will return to the lineup next month.
“It’s more symptom-based now as he starts to introduce things,” Boone said. “So the running outside is new, and some of the upper-body resistance stuff he’ll be able to do. Then as he tolerates that, we’ll start moving into baseball activities at some point.”
Judge, 34, is batting .248 with 17 homers and 38 RBIs in 59 games.
All-Star first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger (left hamstring strain) also is making strides. He took outdoor batting practice on Wednesday for the first time since he last played on July 25. He has taken indoor batting practice while hurt.
“Hitting is no problem,” Bellinger said. “Running in a straight line, I’m feeling pretty good. I’m obviously not at full speed, and then (Wednesday) was more agility, side-to-side. I feel pretty good. Nothing is at full speed yet, but every day is feeling better, for sure.”
Bellinger, 31, is batting .259 with 11 homers and 53 RBIs in 102 games.
