Yankees Hope Soar as Judge Returns: Aaron Judge Set to Rejoin Lineup Tuesday
New York, August 5, 2025 — Yankees Hope Soar as Judge Returns is the sentiment echoing across the Yankees fan base, and for good reason. Aaron Judge, the two-time AL MVP and team captain, will officially rejoin the struggling New York Yankees lineup on Tuesday. After a 10-day stint on the injured list (IL) due to a flexor strain in his right elbow, Judge is set to provide the much-needed spark the Yankees have been desperately seeking.
Judge, who hasn’t played since July 25, has been a key player for the Yankees this season. Despite his absence, his .342 batting average still leads the majors, while he ranks fourth with 37 home runs and fifth with 85 RBIs. His return couldn’t come at a better time for the Yankees, who have lost four consecutive games, including a frustrating 8-5 extra-innings loss to the Texas Rangers on Monday night.
Boone Confirms Judge’s Return
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the news following Monday’s game, simply stating, “Judge tomorrow,” when asked about the star slugger’s return. Boone had previously indicated that Judge would serve as the designated hitter upon his return, and he may also participate in fielding drills while in Texas to gauge his readiness to play the outfield again.
Yankees Hope Soar as Judge Returns has become a rallying cry, not only for fans but for the team itself, as they aim to regain their winning momentum and climb back to the top of the AL East standings.
Injury Timeline and Recovery
Judge initially felt pain in his elbow on July 22 during a game in Toronto. After making a powerful throw home following a single by George Springer, Judge appeared to wince and clench his right hand into a fist—a sign that something wasn’t right. An MRI conducted shortly afterward revealed no acute damage to his ulnar collateral ligament, and he received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on July 27. He was placed on the IL retroactive to July 26.
Judge spent the next week rehabbing at the Yankees’ complex in Tampa, Florida. He hit off minor league pitchers for two consecutive days before traveling to Texas for the current series against the Rangers. Although he didn’t speak to the media after Monday’s game, his presence alone has reinvigorated a clubhouse that has been under considerable stress.
Roster Moves to Accommodate Judge
To make room for Judge, the Yankees will have an open roster spot due to the unfortunate injury to newly acquired outfielder Austin Slater. Slater, who joined the Yankees last Wednesday via a trade with the Chicago White Sox, exited Monday’s game in the second inning with left hamstring tightness. Manager Boone confirmed that Slater is heading to the IL, thereby clearing the way for Judge’s activation.
Giancarlo Stanton, who has been the Yankees’ designated hitter for all 32 of his appearances this season, will have to adjust his role now that Judge will be filling the DH slot. Stanton, who missed the first 70 games due to tendon inflammation in both elbows, is unlikely to play in the outfield during the Texas series.
The Stakes Are High
The Yankees entered the month of July in first place in the AL East but have since fallen to third behind the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox. After being swept in Miami and now trailing the division leaders by 5.5 games, the Yankees are in a precarious position with just 49 games remaining in the regular season. They currently sit 2.5 games behind Boston for the final wild-card spot.
Boone, when asked about the pressure mounting on the team during this 18-28 skid since June 13, responded with characteristic resolve: “Doesn’t matter. Nobody cares how stressful it is. That’s all just noise, excuses, whatever. We’ve got to play better, and we’ve got to win, and we know that.”
Yankees Hope Soar as Judge Returns — not just a keyword, but a reality the team is banking on. Judge’s return is expected to provide an offensive boost and a morale lift that could shift the momentum for the remainder of the season.
Offensive Spark and Leadership
Judge’s impact extends beyond his impressive stats. As the Yankees’ captain, he commands respect and inspires confidence. His presence in the dugout and on the field brings a sense of stability and leadership. The Yankees have missed that element during his absence, and his return comes at a crucial juncture.
His power at the plate, combined with his keen eye and disciplined approach, makes him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. With the Yankees struggling to produce runs consistently, his bat could be the difference-maker in close games.
Yankees Hope Soar as Judge Returns, not just because of what Judge can do individually, but because of how he elevates the entire team.
Defensive Considerations
While Judge will start as the designated hitter, his eventual return to the outfield will be carefully managed. Boone noted that Judge might play catch during the Texas series to evaluate his readiness to resume fielding duties. The team will proceed cautiously, aiming to avoid any setbacks that could jeopardize his availability down the stretch.
In the meantime, outfield duties will be handled by a mix of players, with the Yankees likely rotating positions to keep everyone fresh and productive.
A Pivotal Stretch Ahead
The next few weeks are critical for the Yankees. With 49 games remaining, every win counts, especially in a tightly contested AL East. The Yankees’ schedule features several key matchups against division rivals, and Judge’s return couldn’t be more timely.
Yankees Hope Soar as Judge Returns — and they will need that hope to turn into wins if they are to secure a postseason berth.
Fans, teammates, and management alike are placing their faith in Judge’s ability to lead the Yankees back to contention. His return marks a turning point, an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of a season that has, until now, been riddled with injuries and inconsistency.
Conclusion: Yankees Hope Soar as Judge Returns
As the Yankees gear up for the middle game of their series against the Rangers, all eyes will be on Aaron Judge. His return symbolizes a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose. For a team that has seen its fair share of challenges this season, Judge’s comeback is not just about one player — it’s about a team rallying together to finish strong.
Yankees Hope Soar as Judge Returns, and with it, so does their chance to reclaim their place among baseball’s elite. The countdown to Judge’s first swing back in action begins now, and the entire baseball world will be watching.