Yankees News: Aaron Judge Says He's '100 Percent' Recovered from Oblique Injury

There is bad news for the rest of the American League: The New York Yankees are starting to get close to full strength.

All-Star Aaron Judge told reporters Tuesday his oblique injury is "100 percent" healed and that he expects to be activated from the injured list later this week.

"I wouldn't be in games if I wasn't ready to go," Judge said.

Judge added he needs to get more at-bats and see more pitches at Triple-A to get fully comfortable after his nearly two-month absence.

"You know, nobody is hitting 1.000 in spring training," he said. "I'm not really too worried about results right now, too. Even if I go 0-for-4 the next two days, it don't matter. Just as long as I'm feeling comfortable in the box and feel like I'm recognizing pitches, we're good."

Judge is expected to play two nine-inning games with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before New York adds him to its 25-man roster.

The Yankees have been without their right fielder since April 20 when he injured his oblique on a swing against the Kansas City Royals.

Injuries have been a defining story for the team in 2019. In addition to Judge, other players who have spent time on the injured list include Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks, Didi Gregorius, Gary Sanchez, Luis Severino, Domingo German and Dellin Betances.

Despite that, the Yankees still lead the American League East with a 44-27 record.

Stanton was activated from the IL prior to Tuesday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Sanchez, Hicks and Gregorius have all returned and are making significant contributions.

Judge got off to a terrific start this season. The two-time All-Star was hitting .288/.404/.521 with five homers in 73 at-bats.