Aaron Judge might not return this season after recent news - The Big Lead

What the report says

The Big Lead reported July 20 that Aaron Judge’s return to the New York Yankees this season has become increasingly uncertain as he continues recovering from a rib injury. Citing MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the outlet said the Yankees remain hopeful and cautiously optimistic that their captain can play again this year, but the latest medical update did not provide a clear timetable.

According to the report, Judge has been out since early June with an injury that was initially expected to require roughly six weeks of recovery. Recent imaging reportedly showed some healing, but not enough progress for doctors to clear him to resume baseball activities. That means he has not yet reached the stage of swinging, building workload, facing live pitching or beginning any possible minor league rehabilitation assignment.

The Big Lead framed time as a growing challenge for the Yankees. Even if Judge receives better news in a future evaluation, he would likely need a gradual ramp-up before returning to a major league lineup. The report also noted that expecting immediate MVP-level production from him after an extended absence and incomplete recovery would be a difficult assumption.

The uncertainty matters because Judge is central to New York’s offense and roster planning. The outlet suggested the Yankees may need to consider trade-deadline help, particularly in the outfield or with right-handed power, if doubts increase about his availability. For now, the team is described as waiting on further medical evaluations while preparing for the possibility that one of baseball’s biggest stars may not return before the season ends.