New York Yankees fans might soon see the return of their top slugger. Aaron Judge, sidelined since July 25, is reportedly close to rejoining the team after sustaining a right elbow flexor strain.

Recovery ahead of schedule

The All-Star outfielder was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to July 22. However, according to MLB.com, Judge is expected to be activated between Tuesday and Wednesday next week when the Yankees take on the Texas Rangers.

To minimize the stress on his throwing arm, the team plans to use him as a designated hitter. This will allow Judge to contribute offensively while avoiding long throws from the outfield.

One key factor in his speedy recovery is that his ulnar collateral ligament—typically linked to Tommy John surgeries—was not affected. The strain was limited to the muscles around the elbow joint, resulting in a shorter recovery timeline.

MVP-level numbers in 2025

Before the injury, Aaron Judge was having an MVP-caliber season. The Yankees captain was leading Major League Baseball with a .342 batting average, tallying 129 hits in 377 at-bats and drawing 73 walks, the highest in the American League.

Through 103 games, Judge had blasted 37 home runs and driven in 85 runs. Despite striking out 120 times, his offensive production remained elite and a crucial part of the Yankees’ lineup.

Recently, Judge participated in live batting practice during the series against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park. The next step in his recovery will be simulated games in Tampa at the Yankees’ minor league complex, home to the Tampa Tarpons.

If everything goes according to plan, Judge could return to action in less than a week—just in time to help power the Yankees through the final stretch of the regular season.