Yankees manager Aaron Boone gives extremely troubling update on Aaron Judge’s injury

The New York Yankees have one of the best records in MLB despite spending nearly a month without the most important player in their lineup, Aaron Judge. Now it seems fans may have to wait even longer to see the superstar back on the field. Judge, a three-time American League MVP and the centerpiece of New York’s offense, has been sidelined for the entire month of June. When he first went down, the expectation was that he would miss approximately six weeks. Four weeks into that recovery timeline, however, there appears to be little indication that his return is around the corner, according to a report from Yankees reporter Brian Hoch.

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Boone Doesn’t Offer Much Optimism

Mar 24, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone against the Chicago Cubs during spring training at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Speaking on Friday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone was asked about Judge’s progress and whether the slugger was nearing the next stage of his recovery. According to Yankees reporter Brian Hoch, Boone responded:

“I don’t know. We’re probably not ready to go down that road yet, with where he’s at.”

That is an alarming medical update, and it certainly wasn’t the encouraging news Yankees fans were hoping to hear. When the initial timeline for a return is 6 weeks, and 4 weeks in, he isn’t even ready to be evaluated, it’s hard not to think worst-case scenario.

Return Doesn’t Appear Imminent

May 26, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs to first base after getting walked in the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

Boone’s comments strongly suggest Judge hasn’t even reached the point where the club is preparing to evaluate him for baseball activities. That’s significant because before any player can begin a minor league rehab assignment, they must first resume baseball workouts, including hitting, throwing, running, and defensive drills.

If Judge hasn’t reached that stage yet, there are still multiple steps remaining in the recovery process. In other words, his return doesn’t appear to be close.

Given where Judge currently stands, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to envision him returning before August. Even under an optimistic timeline, he would likely need to begin ramping up his baseball activities within the next two to three weeks before progressing to a rehab assignment sometime during the final week of July. Only after completing that process would he be in line to rejoin the Yankees.

Yankees Continue Waiting

May 15, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) looks on from the on deck circle during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Despite leading the American League for much of the season, New York simply isn’t the same offensive team without its captain in the middle of the order. Judge’s presence changes the way opposing pitchers attack the lineup, and his absence has forced other players into larger offensive roles.

The Yankees remain hopeful their franchise cornerstone will return before the stretch run begins, but Boone’s latest comments make one thing clear: Aaron Judge still has a considerable amount of recovery ahead of him before he’s back wearing pinstripes.

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