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The New York Yankees activated their star right fielder Aaron Judge from the injured list, as announced by the team on Tuesday.
With the Yankees on a losing streak and slipping in the standings, they are hopeful that Judge’s return can provide the much-needed spark.
Judge, aged 33, was placed on the injured list on July 27 due to a right elbow flexor strain, with the retroactive date being July 26. Fortunately, tests showed no UCL tear, allowing Judge to spend the minimum time on the injured list.
New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge, who is injured, takes live batting practice before a baseball game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in New York. (Heather Khalifa/AP Photo)
The two-time American League MVP has been having another outstanding season, boasting a .342 batting average with 37 home runs and 85 RBI in 103 games before his injury.
While Judge will be back in the lineup, he has not resumed throwing since the injury, so he will take on the role of designated hitter. Currently, the Yankees have Giancarlo Stanton as their designated hitter.
Stanton, aged 35, has been a key hitter for the team following his return from the injured list and season debut on June 16. In 36 games, Stanton has maintained a .270 batting average with 10 home runs and 28 RBI.
New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge, who is injured, runs drills in the outfield before a baseball game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in New York. (Heather Khalifa/AP Photo)
Given Stanton’s lack of speed at this stage of his career, he may need to spend time in the outfield with Judge returning as the designated hitter. Stanton’s last outfield appearance was on September 14, 2023.
Since May 28, the Yankees have a record of 25-33 and have dropped from first place in the American League East to third, as the Boston Red Sox have surged past them in the standings.
Injured New York Yankees player Aaron Judge looks on from the dugout during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in New York. (Heather Khalifa/AP Photo)
The Yankees currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the American League.
The Yankees (60-53), with Judge back, will aim to reverse their fortunes as they face the Texas Rangers (59-55) at 8:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
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