▲ New York Yankees' Aaron Judge watches a game from the dugout on July 18.
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, 34, who has been sidelined for over two months due to a stress fracture in his right rib, has started light outdoor training, signaling the beginning of his steps toward a return this season.
MLB.com reported today (the 6th, Korea Standard Time) that after undergoing additional tests the previous day, Judge received clearance to increase his training intensity with outdoor running and upper-body resistance exercises.
Ahead of a home game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium in New York, Judge performed stretches, jogging, and resistance band workouts while wearing his baseball gear.
This marks the first time that the three-time American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) has engaged in outdoor running since his injury.
"I'm going to be back this season," Judge said. "The plan from the beginning was to get back as soon as possible, and I never thought that I wouldn't play this year."
Judge has been unable to play in games since May 31 due to a stress fracture in his right rib.
He is believed to have sustained the injury while diving to catch an outfield fly ball during a game against the Houston Astros on April 27.
Judge was placed on the 10-day injured list (IL) in early June and was later transferred to the 60-day IL.
A specific return date for Judge has not yet been set as he has not yet resumed hitting drills.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated, "Once Judge handles the new training without any issues, he will move on to baseball activities."
Judge has recorded a .248 batting average, 17 home runs, and 38 RBIs this season.
In his final 18 games before landing on the IL, he hit just one home run.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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