Yankees' Judge Says "I Will Return This Season" Following Outdoor Training Return

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 sparked his return this season by resuming light outdoor training.

MLB.com reported today (KST) that following a follow-up examination the previous day, Judge received clearance to increase his training intensity with outdoor running and upper-body resistance exercises.

Ahead of the home game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium in New York, Judge performed stretches, jogging, and resistance-band workouts while wearing full 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 will be back this season," Judge said. "The plan from the beginning has been to return as soon as possible, and I've never thought that I wouldn't play this year."

Judge has been out of action 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.

After being placed on the 10-day injured list (IL) in early June, Judge was later transferred to the 60-day IL.

Having not yet started swing training, a specific timeline for Judge's return has not been set.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated, "If Judge handles these new exercises without issue, he will progress to baseball activities."

This season, Judge has recorded a batting average of .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs.

In his final 18 games before landing on the IL, he hit just one home run.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.