Moreover, Boone made it clear that although there’s a plan in place for Judge’s rehab, it’s neither final nor set in stone. Should challenges present themselves along the way, New York will adapt. In turn, that could delay Judge’s return, but the hope remains that he will be back before the MLB campaign comes to an end, likely with some games to spare to find his footing before the postseason.

“[Judge has] got a calendar of what they’re doing, but you make adjustments to that as you go,” Boone commented, via MLB.com. “They’re definitely mapping things out, but as you go, you check some boxes and move on. Sometimes that progress speeds up a little bit. Sometimes you take a step back.”

Boone preaches patience with Judge

Boone’s statement on Judge speaks for itself. The Yankees’ manager got his message across loud and clear. Indeed, Boone remains confident in Judge’s return this season and believes he can be back at full capacity, ruling out a new role for Judge when he returns to the lineup. Still, that’s not to say he will roll the dice any more than New York needs to.

Judge is on the right path and could soon be sent down to the minors on a rehab assignment before finally being activated from the 60-day injured list (IL). He might face some adversity along the way, but as long as it’s not a serious issue, the Yankees remain confident in his recovery.

Sooner or later, Judge will return, and even an out-of-rhythm version of the three-time MVP in The Show is a reinforcement for the Pinstripers’ batting order and right field.

NY Yankees need Judge to stop bad streak

With Judge out of the batting order, the Yankees are missing a crucial presence in the early innings. As a result, it’s little mystery why New York has struggled to hit the ground running in MLB games. As of Aug. 26, the Yankees have gone scoreless in 23 straight first innings. They are one scoreless first-inning away from tying the franchise’s worst streak.

The last time the Pinstripers scored a run in the opening inning was during a 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox on July 29. That was in the Windy City, though. The last time the Yankees scored in the first inning at Yankee Stadium was on July 20, in an 8-5 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

If there’s a silver lining for fans, it’s the fact that those stuck in traffic or waiting for the train to the Bronx won’t miss out on much if they can’t make it to Yankee Stadium for the bottom of the first inning. Maybe Judge is the key to breaking the hex, though the Yankees would hope to break the curse sooner.

White lie or not, Cruz and Boone weren’t being completely transparent when speaking about the pitcher’s health. Either that, or his status worsened overnight, leading to him being placed on the MLB injured list with an issue in his throwing elbow.

“Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves: Placed RHP Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort,” as announced on the club’s X account (@Yankees).

What had Boone said about Cruz?

Asked whether Cruz was playing through fatigue or something worse, and if that had something to do with the reliever’s struggles during New York’s 9-7 loss to the Houston Astros, Boone brushed off those concerns. He admitted fatigue is always a factor at this stage of the season, but he didn’t make too much of it.

At the very least, the manager showed no signs of there being any fire behind the smoke. Thus, upon learning that Cruz was headed to the 15-day IL, fans had reason to feel as if the truth had been hidden from them.

“Yes, [fatigue] is always part of it at this time of the year,” Boone admitted during his postgame media availability. “But he’s just been hurt in some situations, behind in some counts where they have a pitch in their area and haven’t missed it.“

Another pitcher goes down for the Yankees

It’s becoming a sorry sight at this point for the Yankees. Their rotation loses key names almost on a daily basis. With Cruz, however, there’s reason to believe there may not be much to worry about. Similarly to Boone’s update on Max Fried’s timeline, Cruz’s IL stint may be a bit of a “phantom” one.

Indeed, he’s dealing with a hiccup, but it doesn’t seem to be one that could put his season in jeopardy. In the end, the 15-day IL may have been the safest option Boone and New York landed on to give their reliever a much-needed rest. Were the season looking different, the Yankees may not have sidelined Cruz.

This way, they can get the northpaw relief pitcher back energized for the pennant race later in the year. Plus, after watching the bullpen derail against Houston, making some changes and bringing in fresh air doesn’t feel like the worst idea in the world.

Much was speculated when New York traded for Garcia Jr. ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline, but the first baseman has quieted all doubts one strong at-bat at a time. After his four-hit, two-run game against the Astros, Boone issued a strong statement aimed at the fans who criticized the move at the time.

“[Garcia Jr.] has got some serious thunder coming through the zone, he’s a really good hitter. I hope our fanbase is starting to see what a live bat that we got in here,” Boone said during his postgame press conference. “He’s hit some balls really hard since he’s been here. He’s capable of nights like this. He’s got serious juice, I think he’s ready-made for this ballpark, and it’s good to see him have a night like that.”

Garcia Jr. has season-high

Thanks to his four hits and two runs in the Yankees’ 9-7 loss against the Astros, the former Washington Nationals infielder recorded his best game of the 2026 MLB campaign. He went four-for-five at the plate and improved his batting average on the season to .283, with a .284 AVG since joining the Yankees.

If he can keep it up, Garcia Jr. could finish with a career-best average. His .871 OPS is also trending toward the highest of his MLB career, further testament to the year he’s had in both Washington and New York. As Boone stated, Garcia Jr. is a bit of an unsung hero in the Bronx.

When fans talk about the team’s offense, they rarely mention him, yet he’s been one of the most consistent batters on the squad. Obviously, the small sample size helps his case, but Garcia Jr. owns the second-best AVG in the lineup, trailing only rookie sensation George Lombard Jr.

Garcia Jr.’s night gets lost in bullpen train wreck

Had the Yankees managed to hold on to their lead over the Astros, Garcia Jr.’s performance may have become one of the most memorable of the season for New York. However, the Yanks struggled to get help out of their bullpen, a rare sight considering its form at the mound this season.

Going through relievers like someone searching a drawer for a pen that still has ink, Boone and the Bronx Bombers watched their lead disappear late, and not even Garcia Jr.’s strong bat could bring New York back.

By the time the ninth inning arrived and Houston closer Josh Hader took the mound, all hope at Yankee Stadium was long gone. Hader needed only 10 pitches to dispatch the Yankees, and with the loss, Garcia Jr.’s night was all in vain.

Prior to the Yankees‘ series opener against the Houston Astros at home in the Bronx, Judge took part in an overhand batting practice session in the cages down the dugout stairs at Yankee Stadium. In what was the latest development in Judge’s lengthy yet encouraging recovery from a stress fracture of his right first rib, Boone made it clear he likes what he’s seeing from the three-time MVP amid what’s been a troubling 2026 MLB season for him.

“[Judge is] hitting down there. He looks good,” Boone admitted, via MLB.com, before the start of the game on Tuesday. “He’s been shagging [fly balls] just to kind of get the body used to being out there in the field and stuff, so he’s doing pretty well.”

What’s next for Judge’s rehab?

That’s where the true speculation lies. No one knows for certain when Judge will return to the field in the 2026 MLB season. Not even Boone. Some speculate the Yankees are saving Judge’s return for Sept. 11 against the New York Mets, but it’s all conjecture. However, all the Yankees care about is that Judge actually comes back before October. Barring a setback, that fear seems to be out of the question.

As long as he isn’t rushed or put in danger, the Yankees want him to get as many reps and games under his belt as possible to find his footing. So far, so good, and Judge appears to be on the right track to return from the 60-day injured list (IL).

“The Yankees have not provided a firm timeline for Judge’s next steps. But typically, overhand batting practice would be followed by at-bats against velocity,” as reported by Bryan Hoch on MLB.com. “Then Judge would advance to live batting practice as a precursor to game action, with a likely Minor League rehab stint coming ahead of big league games.“

How long has Judge been out?

Judge hasn’t played in the 2026 MLB season since May 31. Clearly, he will need some time to acclimate to the level of pitching in the Show, as well as find his footing back in right field. Thus, all signs point toward New York sending Judge to its Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, on a rehab assignment.

When exactly, that’s a different question. Cody Bellinger spent some time in the Electric and Diamond Cities as well, and he was on the IL for less than a month. With Judge, the Yankees won’t take any chances, especially with the MLB postseason looming on the horizon.

“Playing brings risk, but we’re not going to put [Judge] out there where he is in jeopardy. If he’s not ready, he’s not ready to go,” Boone admitted during his pregame press conference on Tuesday. “No, that’s not my plan [to have Judge as designated hitter].”

Amid a report that the Yankees could be saving Judge’s return for a special date against the New York Mets, when the final Subway Series of the 2026 MLB season kicks off on Sept. 11, a theory suggested Judge could be back before that game but as a designated hitter.

Judge will return

However, Boone made it clear that’s not what he has in mind for Judge. Instead, he expects him to resume his right fielder duties when he returns. Still, everything remains subject to change. The Yankees’ manager made it known the team will cross that bridge when it comes to it.

“No, [Stanton‘s setback doesn’t change that]. I’m not saying there won’t be a DH day there, but my plan is to have him playing on the field. We will make whatever adjustments we need to when that time comes,” Boone stated.

Last year, when Judge returned from a flexor tendon strain in his right elbow that cost him 10 days on the injured list (IL), he returned as a designated hitter in his first game back wearing the Pinstripes.

Thus, there’s reason to believe Boone and the Yankees could have a similar plan in place when Judge returns from the 60-day IL in 2026. Boone ruled out that possibility as a long-term scenario, but left the door open for an occasional outing as a designated hitter here and there.

Judge takes new step in right direction

“Aaron Judge is expected to hit in the cages [Tuesday], Aaron Boone said. He has been doing tee-and-toss, so Boone said he expects Judge to advance to overhand batting practice,” as reported by Bryan Hoch from MLB.com.

It’s getting to the point where encouraging updates on Judge’s rehab from his rib stress fracture are a daily occurrence for fans in the Bronx. Still, Judge has yet to be activated from the IL and sent to the plate. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

The Yankees will remain patient, and with Stanton trending toward missing the rest of the season, they have one less player to worry about calling up on Sept. 1, when rosters expand to 28 players. However, the Bronx Bombers are also aware that every game counts, and the sooner Judge can get back in action, the better positioned he’ll be to return to his best form by the time October arrives.

“Max Fried could potentially be in play for Saturday’s doubleheader against the Red Sox,” Boone told reporters, as first cited by The Athletic‘s Chris Kirschner. Fried’s return would provide a massive shot in the arm for a Yankees rotation in desperate need of stability down the stretch.

Another option who could bolster the rotation in the coming weeks is top pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez, with the organization weighing a roster move to recall the right-hander for spot starts.

Meanwhile, Boone also addressed Aaron Judge’s progress, giving New York reason for optimism as the club looks to maintain its momentum in the standings while prepping its captain for the postseason.

What happened to Fried?

Fried landed back on the 15-day injured list on August 17, 2026, due to a recurring bone bruise in his left elbow. The move was backdated to August 14 after the southpaw experienced lingering discomfort following his start against the Seattle Mariners, the same issue that previously cost him two months earlier in the campaign.

The setback injected significant uncertainty into the Yankees‘ starting rotation just as New York begins gearing up for October. While initial scans ruled out a season-ending injury, the recurrence forced the Yankees to manage his workload with extreme caution.

As he closes in on a comeback, Fried and the Yankees hope he can return at full strength for the pennant race. If Fried and the rest of New York’s key arms can return healthy for the stretch run, the Pinstripes remain formidable World Series contenders.

“Hopefully, it’s on the shorter end of that (no-throw period), and we ramp him back up to be a factor for us by the end,” Boone stated. Weathers has played a key role in the Yankees’ rotation, providing much-needed stability at this crucial point of the season.

After learning about his injury, the player himself offered an optimistic outlook on the situation. “I had a similar injury at the end of Spring Training last year with the Marlins. [Saturday’s] scans were less than what it was last year. [The doctor] said that the elbow looked really healthy. It’s almost not a Grade 1 strain; it’s very low grade. It’s more just irritated than anything.“

Why do the Yankees need Weathers?

Ryan Weathers has quietly been a massive glue guy for the Yankees‘ rotation this year. Over 25 starts, the southpaw has racked up career highs with 137.1 innings pitched and 143 strikeouts, pitching to a solid 3.60 ERA.

He was absolute money right after the All-Star break too, posting a filthy 2.27 ERA in his last seven outings. Having Carlos Rodon healthy and back on the bump definitely softens the blow and keeps the rotation afloat, but losing Weathers’ current form right as the postseason push heats up is definitely going to hurt depth-wise.

New York’s final stretch of the season

Aaron Boone’s Bronx Bombers are gearing up for a crucial final stretch as they sit second in the AL East with a solid 74-56 record, trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by 3.0 games. With just 32 games left in the regular season, the schedule ramps up big time.

They kick off a key home stand at Yankee Stadium against the Houston Astros, followed immediately by a high-stakes four-game division clash against the Boston Red Sox. After that, they head out on a tough West Coast road trip to take on the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres before returning home.

“Excited [about getting Bellinger back] obviously. We had a pretty good rehab process where things went pretty smoothly. I feel like he’s been tested properly, he got a couple days’ worth of at-bats down [at Triple-A]. I feel like he’s ready to go,” Boone told media ahead of Bellinger’s first game back in MLB action.

Bellinger had urged Boone and the Yankees not to rush his rehab assignment with New York’s Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, so it’s easy to see why many fans might be wary of Bellinger’s return to MLB. Especially since the Yankees appear to have figured things out amid the key absences.

Just as Jazz Chisholm Jr. suggested, Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger’s returns would be a huge boost, but having them back only to suffer setbacks would have the opposite effect. Judging by Boone’s comment and the fact that Bellinger will be tossed right into the fire in the series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays, it appears New York need not fret about its left fielder’s health. Judge is in a different situation.

Boone yearns for Judge’s return

While excited about Bellinger’s return and the impact he has both at the plate and in the field, Boone couldn’t hide his desire for New York to get Judge back as soon as possible. That’s not to say the Yankees will rush Judge, but the sooner he can return—as long as he is fully healthy—the better.

Boone remains confident about Judge’s return, but his statement on Bellinger seemingly hinted at how he feels about getting one piece back while still being a long way from completing the puzzle.

“Obviously, [Bellinger is] a guy that helps us tremendously on both sides of the ball. To get one of our core guys back is big,” Boone stated, via SNY Yankees. His statement suggests that while great news, New York still misses Judge, as well as Giancarlo Stanton, as the core guys have been sidelined for far too long.

NY Yankees facing adversity

The fact that New York’s rotation is now seeing key members land on the injured list (IL) doesn’t help, either. Just when the Bronx Bombers plug a hole, a dozen more pop up across Yankee Stadium. It’s been a never-ending story throughout the 2026 MLB season, and the main concern remains that it might be what dooms the Pinstripers’ World Series aspirations. It could be death by a thousand cuts.

Sooner or later, the Yankees may come face-to-face with the inevitable. So far, New York has weaved its way through adversity, but it could take on a whole different shape in October. The Yankees hope missing key players at this stage of the season translates into having them fully available and healthy come playoff time.

It seems like a wise approach, but the truth remains that the Bronx Bombers have no way of telling the future, and there are no certainties when it comes to injuries and setbacks. Only time will tell, so the Yankees have no choice but to keep moving forward and let whatever happens happen.

“He is running and doing strength exercises, responding well,” Boone revealed during his press conference. “The biggest thing for him now is kind of build up the body, to get back and play in shape where he wasn’t allowed to do much for that first month, specially.”

The question from the media about Judge’s return was inevitable. Boone made his stance clear, expressing confidence that No. 99 will return before the end of the season: “Yeah.”

Judge’s return is eagerly anticipated by Jazz Chisholm Jr., among others, who said the Bronx Bombers will get a huge boost once their players on the IL are back and available. The Yankees are slowly turning their focus toward the postseason, dreaming of having a team capable of competing at the highest level.

When was Aaron Judge’s last game with the Yankees?

Aaron Judge’s last outing with the Bronx Bombers came on May 31, 2026, during a wild 13–8 road win against the Oakland Athletics. He had a solid afternoon, going 1-for-4 with an RBI single to help lock down the victory. That ended up being his 59th and final appearance of the 2026 season before landing on the IL for the remainder of the summer.

Judge’s return is a must for the Pinstripes

Before shutting it down, Judge was putting up solid numbers, batting .248 with 17 homers, 38 RBIs, and 43 runs scored. Replacing that kind of pop was never gonna be easy, and the Yankees definitely felt his absence—slumping to a 37–33 record without the Captain anchored in the middle of their lineup.

With just 34 games remaining, Aaron Boone could certainly use the return of his biggest star to the starting lineup. Fighting to take the AL East, currently led by the Tampa Bay Rays, the Yankees need all the firepower they can get to make it happen.

Dealing with a flexor strain, Weathers underwent tests on his pitching arm. After the results came back, the Yankees decided to place the starting pitcher on the 15-day IL. However, Boone addressed the injury with an encouraging update, although he admitted Weathers likely won’t be a starter again during the 2026 MLB season.

“Ryan Weathers will not throw for 2-4 weeks. Aaron Boone said ‘there’s a great chance’ that Weathers will return this year ‘in some capacity’ which suggests a bullpen role,” reported Bryan Hoch from MLB.com.

Weathers addresses injury

Second in the AL East standings with a 73-56 record and having won five of their last six games, the Yankees can already smell the postseason. Plus, they can see it rising on the horizon. Thus, it’s time to be smart. In MLB, it’s about surviving and adapting, and that’s exactly what the Pinstripers may be doing with Weathers. Rather than risk losing him for the year, the Yankees are taking the smart, cautious route with their starting pitcher.

The rotation is going through crucial hours, even though New York dodged a bullet with Max Fried going on the injured list. Speaking about his injury, Weathers made a clear statement. Similarly to Fried, had the season required him to play through discomfort, he would have. But because the Yankees have given themselves some margin for error, staying away for a few weeks makes sense.

“Weathers says he doesn’t necessarily think this ends his season. Says tests show elbow is fine. Could could have kept pitching but wanted to be smart. No plan yet,” reported Brendan Kuty from The Athletic.

NY Yankees’ updated rotation

With Fried and Weathers on the 15-day IL, the Bronx Bombers boast a different rotation as they take on crucial games late in the season. Cam Schlittler and Gerrit Cole remain the two-headed monster commanding the group, while Carlos Rodon’s return means the Yankees are down to one left-handed card.

New York will be sending right-handed pitchers to the mound virtually every day, but Rodon provides an alternative—the only one with Fried and Weathers out for the foreseeable future. It’s no excuse, though, and New York must make do with what it has. The postseason awaits, and the Yankees can’t afford to stumble when the regular season’s finish line is well in sight.

“The IL team is great, just to say. Just to have them back would just be a huge boost in everyone’s morale. I feel like everybody healthy is such good energy,” Chisholm Jr. said to the press.

The Yankees’ injury list doesn’t only feature top stars such as Judge, but also key players such as Ryan Weathers, Giancarlo Stanton and Max Fried. Will some of them return in time to help push New York to another World Series?

When will Judge and Bellinger be available?

Yankees fans shouldn’t have to wait much longer for Cody Bellinger’s comeback, as he’s set to rejoin the lineup on August 23 following a brief rehab stint for his left hamstring strain. As for Aaron Judge, his recovery from a right rib stress fracture is moving in the right direction—he’s already taking dry swings and doing tee work, with the front office eyeing a mid-to-late September return just in time for the stretch run.

The Bronx Bombers’ season despite the injuries

Injury setbacks are common in MLB, and the Yankees know that all too well. However, despite a large number of players who have been unable to perform as expected, Aaron Boone’s team remains in contention in the AL East.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., who blamed bad luck for his recent struggles, was one of the players who, in one way or another, tried to carry the team on his shoulders during this stretch of the season, which has the Pinstripes sitting at 73-56, just behind the Tampa Bay Rays.

What’s next for the Yankees?

The New York Yankees are set to wrap up their home series against the Toronto Blue Jays before heading into an off day on Monday. The Bronx Bombers will then host the Houston Astros for a three-game set starting August 25, followed by a high-stakes rivalry matchup against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, before heading out on a West Coast road trip to face the Los Angeles Angels.