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Yankees' Judge injury persists, Rice shines

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2026-07-26 00:18 UTC → 2026-08-05 22:57 UTC · added removed

Yankees' Judge injury lingers, All-Star shutout noted persists, Rice shines

Aaron Judge’s right‑rib stress fracture, first identified as a bone bruise in early June, was confirmed as a stress fracture remains unresolved. Imaging taken and placed him on the 10‑day injured list. Doctors project a four‑to‑six‑week recovery, with imaging during the All‑Star break showed showing partial healing, healing but doctors have not cleared him no clearance for any baseball activity. The Yankees await a further evaluation by vascular surgeon Dr. Gregory J. Pearl before finalizing a rehab plan; a return could come as early as mid‑August or be delayed to later in play. Judge’s absence has kept the season. Judge told reporters he feels “ten times better,” while manager Aaron Boone called it a question of “when,” and GM Brian Cashman stressed Yankees’ offense among the risk of a premature comeback. The club’s performance has dipped without Judge, falling league’s worst, dropping their record from a 36‑23 record with him in the lineup to 18‑19 in his absence. sub‑.500 without him and contributing to a fourth‑worst OPS. The offensive decline is now reflected in team has shuffled the fourth‑worst OPS outfield, promoting Spencer Jones, José Caballero and Max Schuemann, while relying on speed (three steals in MLB, a 2‑1 win over Cleveland) and the lowest on‑base breakout of first‑baseman Ben Rice. Rice posted a league‑best .641 slugging percentage and among 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 lowest runs per game. Additional injuries 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, Stanton (calf strain), Max Fried, and Carlos Rodón compound the uncertainty as the trade deadline approaches, prompting the organization to and catcher Austin Wells remain patient while weighing roster moves. At sidelined. Trade‑deadline speculation has intensified, with the 2026 All‑Star Game in Philadelphia, front office exploring outfield and catcher options. By mid‑July, imaging still showed only partial healing, and the American League posted a 4‑0 shutout—the first such result since 2013—highlighting a pitchers’ duel. Notable absences, including Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. club emphasized caution. On August 5, Judge received clearance for light rehabilitation and Byron Buxton, underscored growing caution among stars regarding mid‑season showcase participation. indicated he expects to return before season’s end, giving New York a potential boost as they chase the AL East lead.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-05 22:57 UTC Yankees' Judge injury persists, Rice shines
  2. 2026-07-26 00:18 UTC Yankees' Judge injury lingers, All-Star shutout noted

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