How Has Aaron Judge’s Health and Performance Changed Since His Rib Injury Comeback?
Aaron Judge’s 2026 season has now been interrupted twice, and the two injuries are connected by a short, rocky stretch in between. Here’s how his health and performance moved from the rib fracture to the calf strain that just put him back on the injured list.
The rib fracture and the return
Judge missed months this season with a fractured right rib before the Yankees activated him on September 8. That’s a long layoff for any player, and it meant his return was always going to include some ramp-up period at the plate.
The stretch before the calf strain
In the six or seven games he played after coming back, Judge struggled. Reports vary slightly on the exact numbers — both sources put him at 4-for-23 over that stretch, and one adds that he struck out 13 times in that span. Whichever exact total is right, the picture is the same: a hitter still finding his timing after a long absence.
Now a second injury, of a different kind
That short comeback stretch ended when Judge was placed on the 10-day injured list on Saturday, retroactive to Thursday, with a right calf strain affecting the soleus muscle. Judge described the soleus as especially important for both running and hitting, which is part of why this injury matters beyond just missed games. Neither Judge nor manager Aaron Boone would characterize how severe the strain is or give a firm timeline for his return.
What’s confirmed about his path back
- The earliest Judge can return is the regular-season finale on September 27 against the Orioles — Judge himself said the 10th day of this IL stint likely lands on that game.
- The Yankees have already clinched a postseason berth and are on track to be the top AL Wild Card team, which would set up a possible Wild Card Series against the Red Sox starting September 29. Judge has named that as his target for returning.
- He said he plans to keep throwing and working out in the meantime to be ready.
With Judge out, the Yankees have been covering the outfield with Cody Bellinger, Spencer Jones, and Heliot Ramos — though the latest report notes Jones has also been dealing with a sore left foot.
Nothing beyond this has been confirmed about the severity of the calf strain or an exact return date, so it’s worth checking the Yankees’ official updates or beat coverage closer to September 27 for anything new.
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