When to Expect Aaron Judge Back After the All-Star Break

New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge is not particularly close to a return for the Yankees, according to the Pro Baseball Docs.

In a recent video of him throwing long toss, the former MVP does not use his back foot much when stepping into the throw and appears to have a slight limp when running.

Aaron Judge Return Timeline

At this point, any return prior to August would be a great result for Judge and the Yankees. They currently sit at 49-42 and are 8 games out of first place in the American League East.

New York has been without Judge for over a month since he injured his right big toe while making a running catch through the wall at Dodger Stadium.

In that time, Judge has received two PRP injections in his foot to promote healing. Those have now been given ample time to take effect and should be aiding Judge’s recovery.

However, the turf toe injury he is dealing with is significant for a power hitter. It significantly affects his ability to turn his back foot when swinging for power and turn on inside pitches.

In a recent interview, Judge hinted that he is coming back “hopefully soon.”

While the optimism is a welcome change of tone from his previous comments, the Pro Baseball Docs detailed why it will be difficult for him to return as a designated hitter before he’s ready to play the field. 

The main issue with the recovery is getting his power swing back, which will happen around the same time he’s ready to run and play defense.

Impact on the Yankees

With Judge out of the lineup, manager Aaron Boone has tried several players to plug the gap left in right field. Isiah Kiner-Falefa has seen increased time in the outfield (54 games this season compared to 0 last year with New York), while Billy McKinney and Jake Bauers have also split time in the outfield.

Harrison Bader and Giancarlo Stanton are back and healthy, but Stanton is hitting .203 with 9 home runs in 41 games this season.

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