Yankees star Aaron Judge heads back to injured list weeks after returning from broken rib
Judge to Go on 10‑Day IL as Yankees Eye Final Regular‑Season Games
New York – The New York Yankees announced on Friday that outfielder Aaron Judge will be placed on the 10‑day injured list because of a right calf strain. The club said the designation could be backdated to Thursday, meaning Judge would be eligible to return for the Yankees’ last game of the season on Sept. 27.
Judge, 34, has played just 66 games this campaign, a sharp drop from the more than 150 games he appeared in each of the past two seasons. He has also captured back‑to‑back American League Most Valuable Player awards in 2024 and 2025, and is widely regarded as one of the league’s most productive hitters. Despite the injury, the Yankees still hope Judge can contribute in the final stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs.
The 10‑day stint comes after Judge was removed from Wednesday’s game in the Yankees’ final series against the Minnesota Twins. He exited in the sixth inning after reporting leg discomfort, though he later described the move as precautionary. The club confirmed that the calf strain was the primary reason for the IL designation.
Judge’s recent season has been hampered by a broken rib that kept him sidelined for more than three months. He returned to the lineup last week after missing 83 games and has posted a single extra‑base hit in seven games since his comeback. Despite the limited action, the Yankees are counting on him to bring his power and experience as the team pushes for a playoff berth.
New York is currently five games behind the division‑leading Tampa Bay Rays as both clubs have already clinched postseason spots. The Yankees will travel to Phoenix Friday night to face the Arizona Diamondbacks, continuing their road trip as they finish the regular season.
Judge’s status on the injured list will remain in effect for a minimum of ten days, after which he will be eligible to return on or before the season’s final contest. Whether he can get back in time to help the Yankees wrap up the year remains to be seen.