# Yankees' Judge injury persists, Rice shines

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/aaron-judges-slump-ends-with-walkoff-homer-as-yankees-defeat-the-rays
> Updated: 2026-08-05T22:00:54.000Z. Sources: 161. Developments: 36.

Aaron Judge’s right‑rib stress fracture, first identified as a bone bruise in early June, was confirmed as a stress fracture and placed him on the 10‑day injured list. Doctors project a four‑to‑six‑week recovery, with imaging during the All‑Star break showing partial healing but no clearance for play. Judge’s absence has kept the Yankees’ offense among the league’s worst, dropping their record from 36‑23 with him in the lineup to sub‑.500 without him and contributing to a fourth‑worst OPS.

The team has shuffled the outfield, promoting Spencer Jones, José Caballero and Max Schuemann, while relying on speed (three steals in a 2‑1 win over Cleveland) and the breakout of first‑baseman Ben Rice. Rice posted a league‑best .641 slugging percentage and a .304 average in early June, later earning an All‑Star selection and a Home‑Run‑Derby slot. After a mid‑June slump that extended the Yankees to a seven‑game losing streak—exacerbated by food‑poisoning illnesses and bullpen woes—Rice’s go‑ahead two‑run homer on July 3 snapped the skid and sparked a short winning run.

Other injuries have compounded the situation: Giancarlo Stanton (calf strain), Max Fried, Carlos Rodón and catcher Austin Wells remain sidelined. Trade‑deadline speculation has intensified, with the front office exploring outfield and catcher options. By mid‑July, imaging still showed only partial healing, and the club emphasized caution. On August 5, Judge received clearance for light rehabilitation and indicated he expects to return before season’s end, giving New York a potential boost as they chase the AL East lead.

## Claims

- Judge has been cleared to resume light rehab activities, including outdoor running and upper‑body resistance exercises. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Aaron Judge suffered a stress fracture in his right first rib. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Judge said he expects to be back this season. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Manager Aaron Boone said the clearance is an important part of Judge’s progression. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- General manager Brian Cashman said there is a high likelihood Judge will return this season. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Judge has not played in a major‑league game since May 31 because of the injury. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Outfielder Cody Bellinger is recovering from a hamstring strain and has taken batting practice. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Yankees have about 52 days left in the season as of the update. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: Aaron Judge cleared for light rehab, targets a season return with the Yankees

Aaron Judge cleared for light rehab after a rib fracture and says he’ll be back this season; Yankees await his full return.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aaron-judge-cleared-for-light-rehab-expects-to-return-this-season

### 2026-07-25: Aaron Judge's Rib Injury Leaves Yankees Short of Power Ahead of Trade Deadline

Aaron Judge’s rib fracture remains unhealed, leaving the Yankees without their star hitter as the trade deadline nears and the offense struggles.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aaron-judges-rib-injury-leaves-yankees-without-power-hitter

### 2026-07-17: American League shuts out National League 4-0 in 2026 MLB All-Star Game

The 2026 MLB All-Star Game saw the American League beat the National League 4-0, the first shutout since 2013, with key stars missing due to injuries.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-league-shuts-out-national-league-4-0-in-2026-mlb-all-star-game

### 2026-07-17: Aaron Judge's rib injury healing but return date remains uncertain

Aaron Judge's rib fracture shows partial healing, but doctors haven’t cleared him for baseball; a return could come mid‑season, while the Yankees’ record has slipped without him.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-await-aaron-judges-return-as-rib-injury-lingers

### 2026-07-15: MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia nets over $67 million for city

The American League beat the National League 4‑0 at the 96th MLB All‑Star Game in Philadelphia, with Cody Bellinger named MVP; the event generated over $67 million for the city, including tax and charitable aid

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mlb-all-star-game-in-philadelphia-nets-over-67-million-for-city

### 2026-07-13: American League defeats National League 4-0 in 2026 MLB All-Star Game

American League shut out National League 4‑0 in Philadelphia, with Cody Bellinger MVP, marking the first All‑Star shutout since 2013.

99 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/2026-mlb-all-star-game-lineup-fuels-yankees-fan-criticism

### 2026-07-11: New York Yankees complete historic three-game sweep of Washington Nationals

The Yankees rallied late in three straight games, with Ben Rice’s eighth‑inning triple sealing a 5‑3 win and a historic three‑game sweep of the Nationals, their first such comeback series since 1910.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-complete-three-game-sweep-of-washington-nationals

### 2026-07-09: Ben Rice’s two‑run triple powers Yankees to comeback win over Nationals

Ben Rice hit a two‑run triple in the eighth to lift the Yankees to a 5‑3 comeback win, completing a three‑game sweep of the Nationals and extending their streak.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-defeat-tampa-bay-rays-12-4-as-ben-rice-hits-two-homers

### 2026-07-09: New York Yankees detail Aaron Judge rib scan and roster moves

Yankees GM Brian Cashman says Aaron Judge’s rib fracture will be re‑imaged at the All‑Star break, with a return only if he’s asymptomatic; the team also notes Giancarlo Stanton’s calf issue, catching woes and a

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-aaron-judge-to-have-rib-reimaging-at-allstar-break

### 2026-07-07: Ben Rice named All-Star, headed to 2026 Home Run Derby

Yankees' Ben Rice, a first‑time All‑Star, will appear in the 2026 Home Run Derby after hitting 25 homers this season, including a game‑winning blast in a 5‑1 win over the Rays.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-rice-named-all-star-headed-to-2026-home-run-derby

### 2026-07-04: New York Yankees end seven-game skid with Ben Rice's go-ahead homer

Ben Rice hit a go‑ahead two‑run homer in the third inning after a rain delay, giving the New York Yankees a 5‑2 win over the Minnesota Twins and snapping a seven‑game losing streak, their longest since 2023.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-end-seven-game-skid-with-ben-rices-go-ahead-homer

### 2026-07-03: New York Yankees end seven-game skid with Ben Rice’s go‑ahead homer vs. Twins

The New York Yankees snapped a seven‑game losing streak with a 5‑2 win over the Minnesota Twins, highlighted by Ben Rice’s go‑ahead two‑run homer and Trent Grisham’s return with a leadoff homer.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-end-seven-game-skid-with-ben-rices-goahead-homer-vs-twins

### 2026-07-01: Yankees' seven-game skid prompts captain Aaron Judge to demand more focus

The Yankees' seven-game losing streak, highlighted by a 6‑2 defeat to Detroit, led injured captain Aaron Judge to publicly urge the team to improve focus and concentration.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yankees-seven-game-skid-prompts-captain-aaron-judge-to-demand-more-focus

### 2026-07-01: New York Yankees suffer seventh straight loss amid injuries and bullpen woes

The Yankees fell to a seven‑game losing streak, their worst since 2023, as injuries, a sick clubhouse and a bullpen crisis—including prospect Carlos Lagrange’s IL stint—hamper performance.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-hit-by-pitcher-injury-and-illnessrelated-losing-streak

### 2026-06-30: Yankees' Seven-Game Skid Deepens Amid Injuries and Food‑Poisoning Outbreak

The Yankees hit a seven‑game losing streak, hampered by injuries to Judge, Stanton, Grisham and McMahon, a food‑poisoning incident affecting multiple players, and managerial criticism.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-navigate-injuries-and-foodpoisoning-setback-ahead-of-twins-series

### 2026-06-30: Yankees fall to Tigers, extending losing streak to seven games

The Tigers beat the Yankees 6-2, giving New York its seventh straight loss; Bellinger lamented his slump and Judge remains sidelined with a rib injury.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yankees-fall-to-tigers-extending-losing-streak-to-seven-games

### 2026-06-30: New York Yankees hit by injuries as Judge out and Chazam Jr. hurt, sparking five‑game losing streak

Injuries to Jazz Chazam Jr. and Aaron Judge have left the Yankees on a five‑game losing streak, with a historic batting slump and fan backlash.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-hit-by-injuries-as-judge-out-and-chazam-jr-hurt-sparking-fivegame-losing-streak

### 2026-06-28: Yankees' Ben Rice struggles amid offensive slump

Ben Rice's six‑game slump (2‑for‑23, .174 OPS) coincided with a 4‑1 loss to Boston, prompting Yankees manager Aaron Boone to call for patience as the team awaits key hitters' returns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yankees-ben-rice-struggles-amid-offensive-slump

### 2026-06-19: Chicago White Sox End Bronx Losing Streak with Benintendi Pinch‑Hit Grand Slam

The White Sox beat the Yankees 5‑1 in the Bronx, ending a nine‑game skid after Andrew Benintendi’s pinch‑hit grand slam in the eighth inning.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-white-sox-end-bronx-losing-streak-with-benintendi-pinchhit-grand-slam

### 2026-06-19: Yankees Face White Sox Grand Slam Loss and Fan Backlash Over Spencer Jones Lineup Move

Andrew Benintendi’s grand slam gave the White Sox a 5‑1 win at Yankee Stadium, ending a nine‑game road skid. Days later, Yankees fans protested the removal of rookie Spencer Jones from the lineup for the June

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yankees-face-white-sox-grand-slam-loss-and-fan-backlash-over-spencer-jones-lineup-move

### 2026-06-19: New York Yankees suffer back‑to‑back defeats to White Sox and Reds

The Yankees lost 5–1 to the White Sox after a Benintendi grand slam and then fell 10–2 to the Reds, exposing offensive and defensive issues.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-suffer-backtoback-defeats-to-white-sox-and-reds

### 2026-06-17: Chicago White Sox beat New York Yankees 5-1 as Benintendi hits grand slam

The White Sox beat the Yankees 5-1 at Yankee Stadium, highlighted by Andrew Benintendi’s pinch‑hit grand slam; Jazz Chisholm Jr. left with a groin injury and White Sox outfielder Everson Pereira was placed on a

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-assess-catcher-trade-options-ahead-of-deadline

### 2026-06-11: New York Yankees face extended absences of Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge

Giancarlo Stanton’s calf setback delays his return, while Aaron Judge remains on the injured list with a rib stress fracture, leaving the Yankees without their top right‑handed hitters as they lead the AL East.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yankees-star-giancarlo-stanton-suffers-calf-setback-as-aaron-judge-stays-on-injured-list

### 2026-06-10: New York Yankees cope with injuries to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton

The Yankees are without Aaron Judge (rib fracture) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf strain), turning to Cody Bellinger as they face a close game against the Blue Jays.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-cope-with-injuries-to-aaron-judge-and-giancarlo-stanton

### 2026-06-09: New York Yankees' Ben Rice steps up as Aaron Judge sidelined

Ben Rice’s breakout performance and leadership keep the Yankees near the AL East lead as Aaron Judge recovers from a rib fracture.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-ben-rice-steps-up-as-aaron-judge-sidelined

### 2026-06-07: New York Yankees deal with Aaron Judge rib fracture and Austin Wells injury

Aaron Judge’s rib fracture and catcher Austin Wells’ injury leave the Yankees shorthanded, sparking trade talks for outfielders and a possible catcher swap with the Red Sox.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-cope-with-aaron-judge-injury-and-await-max-fried-return

### 2026-06-06: Yankees rally past Red Sox 6-1 on Bellinger and Chisholm homers

The Yankees beat the Red Sox 6‑1, with Cody Bellinger’s eighth‑inning solo homer and Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s three‑run blast using Aaron Judge’s bat sparking a rally and keeping New York near the AL East lead.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jazz-chisholm-jr-powers-yankees-to-6-1-win-over-red-sox

### 2026-06-06: Yankees defeat Red Sox 6-1, Bellinger homers amid Aaron Judge injury

Yankees beat Red Sox 6-1 with Bellinger’s eighth‑inning homer; earlier, Contreras’ two‑run shot gave Red Sox a 5-3 win as Aaron Judge landed on the injured list.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/red-sox-defeat-yankees-5-3-aaron-judge-out-with-rib-fracture

### 2026-06-05: Boston Red Sox face Yankees in weekend series amid key injuries

The Red Sox head to the Bronx for a three‑game series versus the Yankees, dealing with roster pressure while New York battles the loss of Aaron Judge to a rib fracture.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boston-red-sox-face-yankees-in-weekend-series-amid-key-injuries

### 2026-06-05: New York Yankees Adjust Strategy After Aaron Judge Injury

Aaron Judge’s rib injury sidelines him for two months; the Yankees rely on base‑stealing and Ben Rice’s power, with Rice hitting a home run and leading the team in homers as they adjust their lineup.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-adjust-strategy-after-aaron-judge-injury

### 2026-06-04: Aaron Judge diagnosed with rib stress fracture, sidelined for several weeks

Aaron Judge has a stress fracture of his right first rib, likely missing 4‑6 weeks and may be placed on the IL; Yankees consider reinforcements as he recovers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aaron-judge-diagnosed-with-rib-stress-fracture-sidelined-for-several-weeks

### 2026-06-04: Aaron Judge sidelined by rib stress fracture, Yankees adjust lineup

Aaron Judge is out for 4‑6 weeks with a stress fracture of his first rib, forcing the Yankees to place him on the IL and recall Spencer Jones while his absence opens the AL MVP race.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aaron-judges-rib-stress-fracture-puts-new-york-yankees-on-shortterm-test

### 2026-06-03: Aaron Judge sidelined with rib bone bruise, Yankees await diagnosis

Aaron Judge sits out three straight games with a right‑rib bone bruise; Yankees seek further imaging and keep his status day‑to‑day.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aaron-judges-rib-bone-bruise-leaves-yankees-awaiting-diagnosis

### 2026-05-24: Rays hold lead over Yankees as Judge walk-off wins Game 3; Taylor Walls' Yankee Stadium on-base streak ends

The Rays won the series opener; Aaron Judge’s walk‑off homer gave the Yankees a Game 3 win, while Taylor Walls' 14‑game on‑base streak at Yankee Stadium ended.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rays-hold-lead-over-yankees-as-judge-walk-off-wins-game-3-taylor-walls-yankee-stadium-on-base-streak

### 2026-05-24: Aaron Judge's walk-off homer gives Yankees a 2-0 win over Rays

Aaron Judge hit a two‑run walk‑off homer, ending an 11‑game RBI drought and giving the Yankees a 2‑0 win over the Rays, ending a three‑game skid and narrowing the AL East gap.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aaron-judges-walk-off-homer-gives-yankees-a-2-0-win-over-rays

### 2026-05-23: New York Yankees’ game vs Rays postponed by rain as Aaron Judge’s offensive slump draws criticism

Rain postpones Yankees‑Rays game; makeup set for Sept 22. Judge’s slump continues with no hits and an 11‑game RBI drought, prompting criticism from Paul O’Neill.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-game-vs-rays-postponed-by-rain-as-aaron-judges-offensive-slump-draws-criticism

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Cite as: Yankees' Judge injury persists, Rice shines. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/aaron-judges-slump-ends-with-walkoff-homer-as-yankees-defeat-the-rays