Aaron Judge nears potential return to Yankees lineup

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is progressing through rehabilitation following a rib injury sustained in late April. Yankees manager Aaron Boone reported that Judge has begun hitting off a tee and is performing strength exercises and running to build his playing shape.

MLB insider Joel Sherman predicts Judge could return to the lineup as early as September 10 during a series against the Colorado Rockies. This timeline would potentially allow Judge to participate in the Yankees' upcoming series against the Mets.

Judge's absence due to a stress fracture in his right ribcage has impacted his pursuit of further American League MVP awards. Meanwhile, the league's MVP landscape remains a focal point, with Shohei Ohtani continuing to contend in the National League despite dealing with left knee inflammation.