Aaron Judge plays catch, Yankees optimistic for his season return

Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ star right fielder, caught a ball for the first time since joining the injured list on Tuesday, signaling a possible return to the lineup. The power hitter, who had been out since a hamstring strain in late June, practiced with the team in a low‑intensity session at the stadium’s training complex.

Judge’s injury has been a major story this season. He sprained his right hamstring in a game against the Boston Red Sox and was placed on the 10‑day injured list. The team hoped he would come back sooner, but the strain lingered, and the Yankees had to rely on a roster of replacements. Without Judge, the Yankees’ offense has struggled, and the team’s confidence has dipped.

The Yankees’ record without Judge is 32‑31, a swing that pushed the club from 1.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East to a 7‑game deficit. The team’s overall record sits at 99‑63, but the loss of Judge’s power and leadership has hurt the lineup. Head coach Aaron Boone said the players are feeling the gap and that Judge’s presence is missed on both offense and morale. Fans have been vocal on social media, urging the team to keep Judge healthy and hoping for a quick return.

The next step is for Judge to undergo a medical evaluation before the team can confirm his return. If cleared, he could rejoin the batting order in the next series against the Minnesota Twins. The Yankees will also need to decide whether to keep the bench players who stepped up in his absence. A timely comeback could help the Yankees close the gap in the AL East and keep their playoff hopes alive.