After being sidelined for three months, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge was officially activated off the injured list on Monday.
The Yankees announced Monday night that Judge has been activated from the 60-day injured list. To clear room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated right-handed pitcher Chase Hampton for assignment.
Judge has been sidelined since May 31 with a stress fracture of his first right rib. He is finally back following months of rehabilitation and now set to rejoin the Yankees’ lineup on Tuesday when they take on the Colorado Rockies.
Even though the Yankees have managed to stay competitive without their captain, losing the former American League MVP clearly took a toll on the lineup. The Yankees sit with an 81-62 record and four games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays.
Judge’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The Yankees remain in striking distance of the division title while holding a firm grip on an American League Wild Card spot, and the middle of the order desperately needs his rare, game-changing power.
Through 59 games this season, Judge posted a .248 batting average with 17 home runs, 38 RBIs, and a .907 OPS. With Judge back in the batting order, the Yankees have as good a chance as anyone to make a deep October run.
