Three time Most Valuable Player Aaron Judge was reinstated from the 60 day injured list by the New York Yankees as they bid to secure a wild card spot in the American League playoffs.
On Monday, the Yankees activated the 34 year old outfielder after he missed 84 games with a broken right rib. Judge will rejoin the team’s active roster without first going on a minor league rehabilitation assignment.
During his time on the injured list, Judge indicated that he was ready to return and could prepare in the batting cage without needing a rehabilitation stint in the minors.
Aaron Judge’s return set to boost Yankees playoff bid
At 81 62, New York is four games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the AL East lead with 19 games remaining in the regular season. However, the Yankees currently hold the top AL wild card spot, two games ahead of the rival Boston Red Sox.
New York won the season series against Boston, giving the Yankees an advantage if both teams finish the regular season tied. The higher seed hosts the Wild Card Series.
Judge was sorely missed during his 84 game absence, with the Yankees going 45 39 during his time on the injured list. By comparison, they were 36 23 when he was in the lineup.
As a whole, the team felt the effect of Judge’s absence, particularly on offense. The Yankees hit .227 with 107 home runs during the 84 games without him, compared with a .243 batting average and 86 home runs across the 59 games Judge played. New York had a .770 OPS with Judge in the lineup, compared with .681 during his absence.
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Aaron Judge looks to regain his form after injury
Before sustaining the injury, Judge was hitting .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs. That was well below his .331 batting average, 53 home runs and 114 RBIs across 152 games last season.
Judge was initially injured during a diving play against the Houston Astros on April 26. He eventually returned to the lineup before being sidelined again because of the rib injury. He batted .263 with seven home runs and 20 RBIs over his first 31 games of the season.
To make room on the 40 man roster for Judge, the Yankees designated right hander Chase Hampton for assignment on Monday night. They also optioned right hander Elmer Rodríguez to Triple A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.
With just 19 games remaining in the regular season, Judge’s return gives the Yankees a major boost as they look to secure their place in the postseason and make a late push for the AL East title.
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