Two days after Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Aaron Judge would begin a hitting progression this week, the star outfielder has taken a crucial step in his injury rehab.
Judge has begun hitting off a tee, a significant milestone in his recovery from a stress fracture in his right rib that has kept him sidelined since May 31. Prior to the injury, Judge had a strong season, boasting a .248 batting average, .375 on-base percentage, and .907 OPS, with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs across 59 MLB games.
The Yankees' lineup has struggled without Judge, and his return is crucial for their chances of making a long postseason run. With the team trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by five games for first place in the American League East through Wednesday, the pressure is mounting on Judge to make a swift recovery.
As the reigning American League MVP, Judge's absence has been deeply felt in the Yankees' lineup. His ability to hit for power and drive in runs has been sorely missed, and his return is expected to give the team a much-needed boost.
The exact timeline for Judge's return remains uncertain, but the fact that he has begun hitting off a tee is a positive sign for his recovery. The Yankees will be eager to see him back on the field as soon as possible, particularly with the playoffs on the horizon.
The team's manager, Aaron Boone, has been optimistic about Judge's recovery, and his comments have been a source of encouragement for fans. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining Judge's availability for the Yankees' postseason push.
Judge's hitting progression is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen how long it will take him to regain his full form. The Yankees will be watching his progress closely, and fans will be eagerly awaiting his return to the field.
Source: Yahoo Sports