What happened: Judge was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Monday after a live-pitching workout at Yankee Stadium. A right rib stress fracture had sidelined him since May 31.
Why it matters: The lineup ranked 26th in MLB in runs scored from June 1 through Sunday. Restoring a middle-of-the-order bat changes the shape of a September pennant race.
By the numbers: Before the injury, Judge hit .248/.375/.533 with 17 homers and 38 RBIs in 59 games. The club went 45-39 (.536) without him after opening 36-23 (.610) through his last appearance.
What to watch: Watch whether Judge plays all nine innings in right field; five-to-seven-inning outings remain an option while his workload builds.