Aaron Judge Gives Injury Update Amid Rehab From Rib Issue as Yankees Approach MLB Playoffs

New York Yankees superstar outfielder Aaron Judge hasn't played since May 31 due to a stress fracture of his first rib on his right side. However, he took a key step toward making his return after taking on-field batting practice with the team in San Diego, where the Yankees will play a three-game series with the Padres from Friday through Sunday.

Chris Kirschner of The Athletic provided the report on Friday, noting that this marked the first time Judge has taken on-field BP since he landed on the injured list in early June.

"You've got to check all of the boxes so that you get cleared to play," Judge said, per Kirschner.

Judge also added: "I'm mad how long it's taking. It is what it is. I wish it was real two months ago, but we're at this point, and we're getting close. Can't wait to be back out there."

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports previously reported that Judge could return sometime next week, when the Yankees host the Colorado Rockies (Sept. 8-10) and the New York Mets (Sept. 11-13).

On Aug. 31, Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that "it's possible" Judge could return during the homestand.

"I think it's possible," Boone told reporters (h/t Courtney Hollmon of MLB.com) prior to the Yankees' road game against the Los Angeles Angeles.

"I'm not going to put a date on it, but I think those things are in play now. It's again about getting the durability and the workload built up on him, which is the biggest thing now."

Per Kirschner, Judge has "run the bases, worked on outfield drills and continued taking batting practice indoors," during this road trip. He needs to continue building up that workload, though.

"Just trying to get the volume up so that we can be in a good spot," Judge said. "Not doing nothing for three months, it feels like it's an offseason, you're kind of going back into spring training."

Judge initially suffered the injury while making a diving catch attempt during a road game against the Houston Astros on April 26. He still played over a month with the injury but ultimately landed on the injured list in early June.

The three-time American League MVP has posted a .907 OPS alongside 17 home runs and 48 RBI this season. The Yankees can't have him back soon enough as they look to leap over the Tampa Bay Rays for the American League East lead. Entering Friday, New York was three games back in the division race.

The Yankees are a near-lock to make the playoffs as a wild card, with the team 10 games ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays (the first team out of the playoff field) entering Friday.

The Yankees could have Judge back sooner rather than later, though. At the very least, Judge can return before a crucial four-game home series with the Tampa Bay Rays from Sept. 22-24.