Aaron Judge diagnosed with stress fracture, out indefinitely for Yankees
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The New York Yankees could be the best team in the American League in 2026.
First baseman Ben Rice has been one of baseball’s best hitters through the first third of the season. Gerrit Cole is finally back on the big league mound for the first time since 2024. Cam Schlitter was outstanding, while Cody Bellinger was excellent in his second season in the Bronx.
But it’s no secret that the Yankees will only go as far as Aaron Judge takes them. The global superstar looked like he was heading for another record-breaking season at the start of the season. But he slumped in May, at least by his own standards, posting an OPS of “only” .805.
We might find out why on Thursday.
NEW YORK YANKEES RECEIVE BAD NEWS ABOUT MYSTERY INJURY TO AARON JUDGE: ‘WE JUST WANT CLARITY’
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees sits on the bench before a game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on May 29, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The referee did not play in Tuesday’s match for the first time this season. And the Yankees weren’t very forthcoming about why. On Wednesday, Aaron Boone admitted there was some uncertainty about exactly what the problem was.
“He’ll be back to get some more footage.” Yankees manager he told reporters after Wednesday’s game. “They just want to get to more specific points, so we’ll have more information on that later.”
“We want clarity on what exactly we are dealing with,” he added. “Then we can determine the course of action and have an idea of what the timeline will be.”
They got that clarity on Thursday. The situation for New York could have been worse, but it could also have been much better.
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New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge bats during pre-game practice against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on May 30, 2026 in West Sacramento, California. (Neville E. Guard/Imagn Images)
The Yankees announced late Thursday evening that Judge had been diagnosed with a stress fracture in the first rib on his right side. He is expected to be kept out indefinitely, but will be re-examined in approximately 4-6 weeks to see how his condition is progressing. It’s not ideal.
But the good news for the Yankees organization and fans is that “Judge is expected to return at some point this season,” according to the team’s statement.
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New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge looks on from the bench against the Cleveland Guardians on June 2, 2026 at Yankee Stadium in New York City. The Guardians defeated the Yankees 9-4. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
New York has the advantage of playing in a weak American League, which guarantees a postseason berth. Even if there is no referee for most of the rest of the season. But the surprising Tampa Bay Rays hold first place in the AL East, and losing the division could jeopardize a potential first-round bye. And of course, if he doesn’t recover as hoped, this could turn into a season-ending injury.
Still, if Judge recovers and returns before October, he’ll immediately make the Yankees a legitimate World Series threat. Despite his injuries, he remained one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters. At its full power, it is a game-changing force.
