​ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Aaron Judge’s rib injury will be reviewed with new tests during the All-Star break, as the New York Yankees await encouraging signs that the three-time AL MVP is on the mend. Judge has not played since May 31 and was placed on the injured list June 5 after a CT scan, an MRI, and consultation with a specialist confirmed a stress fracture of his right rib.
“We don’t want to rush him back while he’s still injured,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said on the matter. “He should be asymptomatic before we clear him to play. If he’s without symptoms and not experiencing any pain, and medical images show healing, then it’s reasonable to consider getting him moving again. But we have to be careful—given the current schedule, we don’t want to put him in a position where the issue could worsen.”
At the time of the update, the Yankees stood 14-19 without Judge, entering the series finale against the American League East-leading Tampa Bay Rays. Cashman noted that the injury has limited Judge’s ability to train the upper body, as he cannot stress the rib cage while it heals. The upcoming imaging will provide a clearer picture of his progress in rehab and help determine the timeline for his return.
The team and Judge remain focused on a cautious, methodical approach to recovery, prioritizing his long-term health and safety. As the All-Star break unfolds, the latest scans and medical opinions will guide decisions about when Judge can begin light activity and gradually ramp up to full baseball workloads. The Yankees are hopeful that the new results will indicate improving healing and bring clarity to the path back to the lineup.
Fans and pundits alike are watching closely as Judge’s rehabilitation progresses, understanding that his return could be a pivotal boost for a team navigating injuries and trying to climb back in the standings. The medical evaluations during the midseason pause are aimed at validating progress, ensuring any return is built on a solid foundation, and reducing the risk of a setback that could extend his absence.