Jeff PassanSep 7, 2026, 08:36 PM ETMultiple AuthorsOpen Extended ReactionsThe captain is back. And with it the New York Yankees’ status as American League favorites.Three-time AL MVP Aaron Judge was activated from the injured list Monday night, paving the way for his return against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday after sitting out more than three months because of a fractured rib.The 34-year-old, who broke his first right rib making a diving catch in late April, tried to play through the injury but was shut down May 31. Though the Yankees have gone 45-39 in his absence and maintained a firm hold on the AL’s top wild-card playoff spot, they’re hopeful Judge’s return will revitalize an offense that ranks 26th in runs scored since he was put on the injured list.Judge’s return comes after a live batting-practice session Monday at Yankee Stadium. He had told reporters he hoped to take live BP “a couple of times” before his activation, but Monday’s results were sufficient for the team to bring him back to the big leagues without a rehabilitation assignment.His first at-bat will come against Colorado right-hander Gabriel Hughes, who is 0-6 with a 6.19 ERA this season, as the Yankees begin a homestand against the Rockies and Mets during which they hope to gain ground on the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, who hold a four-game advantage over New York.The most prolific hitter of the 2020s, Judge has been the heart of the Yankees as he won AL MVP three of the past four years and set the league record with 62 home runs in 2022.
Though injuries have hampered him in the past, none has sidelined Judge for as long as the stress fracture that at points left the Yankees wondering whether he would return at all this season.Signs of optimism emerged in mid-August, when Judge was cleared for baseball activities. The slow buildup was intentional, with the Yankees’ postseason hopes never in obvious danger and the desire for him to be ready in time for the playoffs.Even though Judge’s October performances have lagged behind his regular-season numbers, his presence infuses the Yankees’ lineup with the sort of bat it has sorely missed. Despite a breakout season from Ben Rice, solid thump from trade-deadline addition Luis Garcia Jr. and a strong rookie season from Spencer Jones, a majority of Yankees hitters have posted below-league-average numbers and contributed to an offense heavy on home runs but light on runs.New York’s pitching has carried it this season, and with a postseason rotation of AL Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, the Yankees’ formidable foursome stacks up against the best a down league has to offer. Though some evaluators have questions about the viability of New York’s bullpen come the postseason, the Yankees’ relief success this season is undeniable, with an MLB-best 3.05 ERA.Before going on the injured list, Judge was hitting .248/.375/.533 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs in 59 games.
