Judge certain of stretch-run return, Marakovits says

He hopes to skip a minor league rehab assignment.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 291 min read

"In his mind, there is no doubt he is coming back and joining this team down the stretch run." - @M_Marakovits on Aaron Via @MLBNetwork on X

What happened: Aaron Judge has progressed from pool work and outdoor running to tee-and-toss drills while recovering from a right rib fracture. He has yet to face high-velocity pitching.

Why it matters: A September activation would leave only the final weeks of the regular season to work him back into the lineup. His return would restore a middle-of-the-order bat for the stretch run.

By the numbers: Judge last played May 31, went on the 10-day injured list June 5 and moved to the 60-day list July 18.

What to watch: High-velocity pitching is the next checkpoint before a decision on September activation.

Sources

@MLBNetwork 2026-08-29T17:26:05.866078+00:00

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