SerpApi.Org
The New York Yankees are still holding out hope that Aaron Judge will return before the end of the MLB season, but with each passing week, that possibility appears to become less certain. According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Yankees remain hopeful and cautiously optimistic that their superstar captain will make it back this year. However, there are no guarantees, and the latest update on Judge’s recovery has raised legitimate concerns about whether he’ll play again in 2027.
MORE: MLB Power Rankings after the 2026 All-Star break
Recovery Taking Longer Than Expected
Judge has been sidelined since the beginning of June after suffering a rib injury that initially carried an expected recovery timeline of approximately six weeks.
That timetable has already come and gone. Following recent imaging of Judge’s ribs, doctors determined that while there has been some healing, the injury has not progressed enough for him to resume baseball activities. In other words, Judge is still far from beginning the next phase of his recovery. That’s a troubling development for both the Yankees and their fans.
Time Is Becoming the Biggest Opponent
The longer Judge remains unable to participate in baseball activities, the more difficult it becomes to envision a meaningful return this season. Even if the Yankees eventually receive positive news and Judge is cleared to begin swinging a bat and ramping up his workload, he would still need time to rebuild his strength, face live pitching, and likely complete a rehab assignment before returning to the major league lineup.
At the current pace, there’s a growing possibility that there simply won’t be enough time left in the season. And if Judge does make it back, expecting him to immediately perform at an MVP level while less than fully healthy may be unrealistic.
Yankees Must Prepare for Every Scenario
The Yankees have struggled offensively without their captain in the lineup, and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery could significantly impact the club’s trade deadline plans. If there’s increasing doubt that Judge will return this season, New York may need to prioritize adding another impact outfielder and a right-handed power bat to help replace some of the production they’ve been missing.
While the organization continues to express optimism, optimism alone won’t speed up the healing process. For now, the Yankees can only wait and hope that Judge’s next round of medical evaluations brings better news. Until then, the possibility that one of baseball’s biggest stars may not play again this season is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
