Judge activated off IL, set to return vs. Rockies on September 8

Aaron Judge was reinstated from the 60-day injured list late Monday after missing three months due to a right rib stress fracture. Per MLB.com, the Yankees' reigning AL batting champion is expected to be in the lineup for Tuesday's series opener against Colorado, marking his first game since May 31.

Judge sustained the injury on April 26 at Houston while attempting to catch a pop fly. The team placed him on the 60-day injured list, and he watched from the dugout during the Yankees' six-game West Coast trip, accompanying the club but remaining sidelined.

The Yankees' offensive performance diverged sharply during Judge's absence. According to MLB.com, the team was 36-23 (a .610 winning percentage) when Judge last played but went 45-39 (.536) without him through Sunday. Manager Aaron Boone said, per MLB.com, "We've had long stretches where the offense has struggled. I think a big part of that is not having your guy."

Judge's conditioning ramped through August. He was cleared to resume baseball activities in that month and progressed from tee-and-toss drills to overhand batting practice, facing velocity on machines, running bases, and performing outfield drills. During one workout Saturday, per MLB.com, Judge delivered a one-hop throw to third base from medium-depth right field.

The plan calls for Judge to return as the starting right fielder rather than solely as a designated hitter, according to MLB.com. Manager Boone said one scenario "on the table" involves Judge playing for five to seven innings before exiting. Judge declined a Minor League rehab assignment, telling MLB.com, "I don't see a point. Why waste at-bats?"

Boone called Judge "close to the endgame of being ready to play," per MLB.com. Judge said of his condition, "I'm not too worried about the power or bat speed. I feel like even if it's a tick off, I still think it's better than nothing." On playing smart in the field going forward, Judge said, per MLB.com, "We'll be back out there and continue to play smart, especially in the rest of this year and then going into the postseason."

The Yankees begin a six-game homestand Tuesday night against the Rockies.