Photo Credit: Jason Behnken
The New York Yankees will get a clearer picture of Aaron Judge’s recovery during the All-Star break, when the superstar slugger undergoes another round of imaging on his injured right rib.
Judge has been sidelined since May 31 and was placed on the injured list on June 5 after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right rib following a CT scan, MRI and consultation with a specialist.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the club will not rush the three-time American League MVP back until he is fully healthy.
“I don’t think we want to put him at risk of coming back while still injured,” Cashman told reporters. “He should be asymptomatic before we turn him loose.”
Yankees Waiting for Positive Imaging Results
Brian Cashman said the upcoming scans should show progress in Aaron Judge’s recovery rather than a completely healed injury.
The rib fracture has prevented Judge from doing upper-body workouts because putting stress on the rib cage could slow the healing process. The new imaging will help determine whether he can begin increasing his baseball activities.
The Yankees improved to 15-19 without Judge after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 12-4 on Thursday, but his absence has significantly impacted the lineup during the club’s recent struggles.
Giancarlo Stanton Suffers Another Setback
Cashman also revealed that designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton experienced another setback in his recovery from a right calf injury.
Stanton, who has not played since April 24, suffered a new calf strain while rehabbing. Although he has resumed running, the latest injury further delays his return to the lineup.
Meanwhile, top prospect George Lombard Jr. has resumed hitting and throwing after spraining two fingers on his left hand and could return to minor league action around the All-Star break.
The New York Yankees also announced that pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange will not throw for six weeks after doctors diagnosed him with a right capsule strain, ending plans to transition him into a relief role in the near future.
