Aaron Judge activated by Yankees after three months out with rib fracture

The New York Yankees activated Aaron Judge on Monday night, clearing the way for his scheduled return against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday after more than three months out with a fractured right rib.

Judge fractured his first right rib while making a diving catch in late April and was sidelined on 31 May after attempting to play through the injury. ESPN reported that the 34-year-old was activated after a live batting-practice session at Yankee Stadium, without undertaking a rehabilitation assignment.

The Yankees have gone 45-39 during Judge’s absence and retained the American League’s top wild-card position. His return comes as the club begins a homestand against Colorado and the New York Mets, while seeking to close a four-game gap on American League East leaders Tampa Bay.

New York’s offence has ranked 26th in runs scored since Judge went on the injured list, making his availability a potentially significant addition. The team’s expectations for an immediate improvement remain untested until he returns to game action.

Before the injury, Judge was batting .248/.375/.533 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs in 59 games, according to ESPN. The available material confirms that his return was scheduled for Tuesday but does not establish whether he appeared or how he performed.