Judge is back! Yanks activate captain after 3 months on IL

The New York Yankees have officially activated three-time MVP Aaron Judge from the 60-day injured list. According to reporting from The Boston Globe, Judge was activated on Monday and is scheduled to return to the active lineup on Tuesday. Before making his professional return, the New York Post reported that Judge and his wife attended the US Open to watch the action on the eve of his return to the field. Coverage from major outlets including ESPN, MLB.com, and Yahoo Sports emphasizes the high level of excitement surrounding Judge's return to the team.

ESPN reports that the Yankees intend to build Judge up smartly as he reintegrates into the lineup, indicating a cautious approach to his workload. MLB.com highlights the impact of Judge's MVP presence, while Yahoo Sports notes a specific dynamic where manager Aaron Boone has overruled Judge regarding the specifics of his return to the lineup. Yahoo Sports has noted that ticket prices for Yankees games have risen following the news of his activation. Additionally, Newsday's Roger Rubin points out that the primary goal for the organization should be ensuring Judge is full-go by the time the postseason begins.

The timing of his activation from the 60-day injured list puts the team in a position to evaluate his health before the playoffs. Observers are now monitoring how Judge's presence will influence the final standings of the 2026 season, a topic currently being polled by Yahoo Sports. The focus remains on the physical progression of the captain as the team manages his return. Future coverage is expected to track whether the 'smart' build-up mentioned by ESPN allows Judge to reach full capacity in time for the postseason, as highlighted by Newsday.