Aaron Judge's rib injury healing but return date remains uncertain

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is sidelined with a stress fracture in his right first rib, diagnosed in early June. Imaging performed during the All‑Star break showed partial healing, but doctors have not cleared him for any baseball activities. The team is waiting for a further evaluation by vascular surgeon Dr. Gregory J. Pearl before deciding on a rehab plan or a return timeline, which could be as early as mid‑August or later in the season.

Judge told reporters, “part of it’s healing, the other part is still trying to bridge together,” and added that he feels “ten times better” than during the early weeks of his injury. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, “It’s just a matter of when,” while general manager Brian Cashman emphasized caution, noting that a premature return could jeopardize the rest of Judge’s season.

The Yankees have struggled without him, dropping from a 36‑23 record while he was in the lineup to 18‑19 since his absence, and the team faces additional injury concerns with Giancarlo Stanton, Max Fried and Carlos Rodón also on the injured list. Despite the uncertainty, the organization plans to remain patient and consider roster moves at the upcoming trade deadline.