Aaron Judge is back, and the New York Yankees immediately look a little different.
After missing 84 straight games because of a stress fracture, the Yankees captain returned to the lineup during the team’s series against the Colorado Rockies. While Judge is still being eased back into action, his presence alone has already changed the feeling around the clubhouse — and Cody Bellinger believes opposing pitchers may be feeling it too.
“It’s always kind of hard to feel that in the moment,” Bellinger said, via SNY Yankees, when asked whether players were being pitched differently with Judge back in the lineup. “Having him in the lineup, the presence alone just is such a huge boost for this team.”
Bellinger admitted it can be difficult to notice those changes while playing, but he added that Judge’s return probably does affect how opponents approach the Yankees.
And honestly, who wouldn’t notice when a 6-foot-7 superstar suddenly walks back into the lineup?
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Aaron Judge Returns After Three-Month Absence
Judge’s injury began with a stress fracture in his first right rib, suffered in late April. At first, the Yankees believed he was dealing with a bone bruise, which kept him from immediately landing on the injured list.
Once an MRI confirmed the fracture, however, Judge was placed on the IL and began a lengthy recovery process.
He spent roughly three months working his way back and participated in several live batting-practice sessions. Surprisingly, Judge did not need a minor league rehab assignment before returning to the Yankees.
His reasoning was simple: why take unnecessary at-bats elsewhere if he believed he was ready to help New York?
Judge made it clear that he felt capable of returning directly to the major league lineup, but the Yankees still planned to take a cautious approach.
Yankees Are Carefully Managing Judge’s Workload
Manager Aaron Boone does not want Judge’s comeback to turn into another injury setback.
Rather than immediately playing him for nine innings every day, the Yankees are gradually increasing his workload. The priority is getting Judge healthy and ready for the postseason rather than winning every individual game in September.
Judge’s reaction to the limited playing time showed that he would prefer a different approach.
After being removed early, Judge reportedly said he felt great and wasn’t particularly happy about being taken out. Still, he acknowledged that he respects Boone and will follow his manager’s decisions.
The Yankees also received a major boost when Heliot Ramos responded with a three-run homer after Judge was removed in one game.
Judge Makes an Immediate Impact Against Colorado
Judge’s return was not simply ceremonial.
In the Yankees’ 6-1 victory over Colorado, the captain went 2-for-4 before leaving the game. He also scored on George Lombard Jr.’s grand slam, giving the Yankees another reminder of how much damage their lineup can create when its biggest star is present.
A day earlier, Judge went hitless in three at-bats before being pulled. Ramos stepped in and delivered a three-run home run.
The message from New York was clear: Judge may not be playing full games yet, but his return gives the Yankees another dangerous piece for opponents to worry about.
Cody Bellinger Adds Another Power Threat
Judge isn’t the only Yankees player making his way back from injury.
Cody Bellinger returned in late August after recovering from a Grade 2 left hamstring injury. Unlike Judge, Bellinger completed a minor league rehab assignment before rejoining the Yankees.
The outfielder is in the first season of a five-year, $162.5 million contract with New York, and he provided another big moment against Colorado.
Bellinger went 1-for-6 and launched a solo home run in the eighth inning. The blast gave the Yankees an important insurance run and added another power threat to a lineup already featuring Judge.
With Judge and Bellinger both available, opposing pitchers suddenly have even fewer comfortable matchups.
Yankees’ Home Run Power Overwhelms Rockies
The Yankees built their 6-1 win almost entirely through the long ball.
Will Warren delivered a strong start for New York, allowing just one earned run over six innings. Colorado’s only run came from Connor Norby’s solo home run in the fifth inning.
The Rockies also left six runners stranded, failing to turn their opportunities into a bigger rally.
On the other side, Tomoyuki Sugano struggled to contain the Yankees’ power. He surrendered five runs on four hits across six innings.
Luis Garcia Jr. and Bellinger each hit solo home runs, while Lombard Jr. provided the biggest blow with a grand slam.
For Lombard Jr., it was the first grand slam of his career and the Yankees’ first grand slam of the season.
What Judge’s Return Means for the Yankees
The Yankees have bigger goals than simply finishing strong against an eliminated Rockies team. Their real target is October.
Judge’s health will be one of the biggest storylines as New York prepares for the postseason. Even if he is not playing complete games immediately, having his bat back in the lineup changes the way opposing teams must plan.
Bellinger’s return only makes that lineup deeper.
The Yankees are clearly choosing patience over panic with Judge. It may frustrate the superstar, but New York knows the real prize is having its captain fully ready when the postseason begins.
Aaron Judge’s return has already provided the Yankees with more than just another bat. His presence changes the mood, creates pressure on opposing pitchers and gives New York another elite offensive weapon heading toward October.
The Yankees will continue managing his workload carefully, even if Judge would rather stay on the field all day. For now, the short-term frustration is a small price to pay for the bigger postseason picture.
If Judge can regain his rhythm and stay healthy, the Yankees could enter October with one of baseball’s most dangerous lineups — and opposing pitchers may already be wishing he had stayed on the injured list a little longer.
FAQ:
When did Aaron Judge return to the Yankees lineup?
Aaron Judge returned after missing 84 consecutive games while recovering from a stress fracture in his first right rib.
What injury did Aaron Judge suffer?
Judge suffered a stress fracture in his first right rib. The injury was initially believed to be a bone bruise before an MRI confirmed the fracture.
Are the Yankees limiting Aaron Judge’s playing time?
Yes. Yankees manager Aaron Boone is gradually increasing Judge’s workload rather than immediately playing him for full games.
Why did Aaron Judge skip a minor league rehab assignment?
Judge believed he was ready to contribute at the major league level and questioned the need for additional rehab at-bats.
How did Aaron Judge perform after returning from injury?
Judge went 2-for-4 and scored a run in the Yankees’ 6-1 win over the Colorado Rockies before being removed from the game.
Is Aaron Judge unhappy about his limited playing time?
Judge said he was not happy about being removed early, although he also said he respects Boone and will follow his manager’s decisions.
Is Cody Bellinger also returning from an injury?
Yes. Bellinger returned after recovering from a Grade 2 left hamstring injury and had a solo home run against the Rockies.
How much is Cody Bellinger’s Yankees contract worth?
Bellinger signed a five-year, $162.5 million contract with the New York Yankees.
Who hit the Yankees’ grand slam against the Rockies?
George Lombard Jr. hit the grand slam. It was the first grand slam of his career and the Yankees’ first of the season.
What does Aaron Judge’s return mean for the Yankees?
Judge’s return gives New York another elite offensive threat and could significantly strengthen the Yankees as they prepare for the postseason.
Also Read: Is Shohei Ohtani’s Struggling Bat Linked to His Injury Concerns?
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