Yankees’ Judge sidelined with rib fracture as Jones poised for call-up
Aaron Judge faces an extended absence with re-evaluation scheduled in four to six weeks, prompting New York to rotate internal options before promoting Spencer Jones.
The New York Yankees confirmed on Thursday that right fielder Aaron Judge has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his upper right rib. The club announced the injury and outlined a recovery timeline that includes re-imaging of the injury in approximately four to six weeks.
Judge will be out for an extended period, with the team noting that even in the best-case scenario, he may not return until at least August, potentially extending into September. Following medical clearance for baseball activities, the right fielder is expected to undergo a ramp-up period lasting between two weeks and a month before resuming full play.
In the interim, the Yankees have been rotating Jose Caballero and Max Schuemann in right field. The organisation plans to call up prospect Spencer Jones to serve as the long-term replacement while Judge undergoes re-evaluation. Jones is viewed as a significant opportunity for the prospect, carrying notable risk but offering high potential upside if he can capitalise on the vacancy.
The absence of Judge, widely regarded as an elite hitter with historic power, represents a substantial loss for the team’s offensive structure. His recovery timeline remains contingent on the results of the upcoming scans and his subsequent physical conditioning, leaving the exact date of his return uncertain.
The Yankees’ decision to promote Jones signals a shift in their immediate roster management, moving beyond the temporary Caballero-Schuemann rotation. The club will monitor Judge’s progress closely over the next month, with the prospect’s performance potentially shaping the team’s depth options for the remainder of the season.
