Aaron Judge played catch for the first time since his rib fracture, and the Yankees still have no return date.
Why it matters: Judge is the Yankees' captain and a three-time MVP, so even a small rehab step affects the lineup and the club's timing on roster decisions. His absence still shapes how New York plans for the stretch run.
- Judge played catch on Aug. 14 for the first time since the injury, per the Yankees' Aug. 15 injury log.
- The Yankees still have not set a return date, and the current injury log says only "possibly August."
- Judge has not swung a bat since May 31, according to the latest team update.
- Aaron Boone has said mid-to-late August would be the best-case window, with September still possible.
Aaron Judge has taken another step in his recovery from a stress fracture of the first rib on his right side. The Yankees' injury log updated Aug. 15 says he played catch on Aug. 14 for the first time since the injury, while AP reported the team still has not set a timetable for his return.
That leaves the Yankees without a clear date for when Judge can rejoin the lineup. He was first diagnosed on June 5 after imaging, and the team said at the time he would be reimaged in four to six weeks. Judge said he believed the injury came from a diving attempt on April 26 against the Astros in Houston.
The latest update narrows the rehab picture without creating a firm endpoint. Earlier in the month, the team said Judge had been cleared for light exercises before progressing to catch, but the current injury log remains the clearest public marker on his status.
Boone has previously said mid-to-late August was the best-case scenario, while September could not be ruled out. Judge said after the latest update that the development was "a good sign" for him.
By the numbers
- Aug. 14 - first time Judge played catch since the injury, per the Yankees' Aug. 15 injury log.
- June 5 - date Judge was first diagnosed after imaging.
- Mid-to-late August - Boone's earlier best-case return window.
Yes, but: The update is positive, but playing catch is only one rehab step and does not mean Judge is close to game action.
What's next: The Yankees' next injury updates will show whether Judge advances beyond catch work or gets a firmer return timetable.