​Aaron Judge’s injury has changed the Yankees’ MLB trade deadline plans, whether Brian Cashman wants to admit it or not. The latest update is encouraging only in the most limited sense. Judge is improving and will have his fractured right rib reimaged during the All-Star break. But there is still no firm return date, and the Yankees cannot build an August plan around the assumption that their best player will immediately return at full strength. And that changes the deadline calculation.RELATED: Yankees announce surprising Cam Schlittler news immediately before MLB All-Star breakBefore the injury, New York could reasonably prioritize starting pitching, bullpen depth or a smaller offensive upgrade. Now another impact bat has to move near the top of the list. The Yankees have already shown how ordinary the lineup can look without Judge controlling the strike zone and forcing opponents to pitch differently.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHis eventual return will help. It will not erase the games played before he gets back. It also may take time for Judge to regain his timing. A fractured rib is not the kind of injury a hitter simply forgets when stepping into the box. Even after he is medically cleared, there will be questions about comfort, rotation, and confidence against inside pitches. The Yankees should plan for that reality instead of treating his return like a deadline acquisition.MORE: MLB Power Rankings: All 30 teams ranked ahead of the 2026 All-Star GameCashman does not need to panic or mortgage the farm system for a temporary replacement. But what he does need to do is add a hitter capable of carrying meaningful at-bats while Judge recovers and then strengthen the lineup once he returns.New York needs someone its opponents actually have to account for. Judge may still return in time to shape the pennant race. The Yankees should hope for that. But their deadline strategy cannot depend on it.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —