NEW YORK – Don’t expect to see Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge on the baseball field any time soon.
Judge had a re-imaging done on his fractured right rib on Wednesday and the results showed that the rib is healing, but not enough to resume baseball activities. The Yankees plan to consult with Dr. Gregory Pearl of Texas to provide instructions and guidance into what activities he can progress to as well as the time frame for the next re-imaging.
“We have a big team of guys looking at this so we can get the best answer and have the right plan,” Judge said to a group of reporters before Friday’s game against the Dodgers.
Aaron hasn’t played in a game since May 31st against the Athletics. During that series in West Sacramento, he felt discomfort in his shoulder and upper rib area while taking swings against the A’s. He went 2-for-12 (.167) with four RBI in those three games.
Since his time off the field, Judge has been able to do lower body work and neck exercises.
“We have taken some stress off the upper body. There are no baseball activities,” he told those same reporters. “A couple of weeks ago, I couldn’t do a lot. Now we are feeling ten times better. My complaint is, if I’m feeling better, why don’t we start moving? I think [the Yankees] don’t want to start adding baseball activities and have a setback. They want to be sure that it’s going the right way and we get back as soon as we can.”
This means a period of rest and limited activity will be required. He will be re-imaged in approximately four to six weeks to determine the level of healing and appropriate next steps.
In the right fielder’s absence, the Yankees are 18-19. For the season, they are 54-43, 2 ½ games behind the Rays in the American League East race.
“[Being out] has been the worst. I want to play. That’s why I’m here,” the eight-time All-Star reminded everyone. “That’s why I get paid; to play big games for the Yankees, especially with the team that we have, how special this group is. I want to be a part of everything. It’s been tough, but we have a lot of great guys in this clubhouse.”
Judge is in his 10th full season with the Yankees and remains their best player. Judge currently has a slash line of .248/.533/.907 with 17 home runs and 38 RBI.
