Yankees Reportedly Unveil Return Date Of Star Slugger Aaron Judge

New York may finally have its best slugger back in the near future

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees reportedly will have their best player back in the lineup in the very near future. 

New York has been without the services of 2022 American League Most Valuable Player Aaron Judge since June 3 but reportedly will return to the lineup Friday against the Baltimore Orioles if there are no late setbacks, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman. 

"Barring a late setback, the Yankees plan to activate Aaron Judge on Friday in Baltimore, The Post has learned," Sherman said. Judge has been amping up the work he is doing on rehab in Tampa and the reports so far have been positive. Judge had actually wanted to try to play in the Subway Series, but the Yankees wanted to be more cautious. Judge incurred a sprained right big toe when his foot slammed into the lower wall at Dodger Stadium on June 3."

Judge's imminent return to the lineup couldn't have come at a better time for the Yankees. New York has struggled lately and has lost four of its last six games but still is just two-and-a-half games out of the final American League Wild Card spot. Judge was having another fantastic season before injuring his toe and was slashing .291/.404/.674 to go along with 19 home runs and 40 RBIs in 49 games played. 

The 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline is just around the corner set for August 1 and the Yankees likely will be very active. Judge's return to the lineup plus a solid move or two could be just what the team needs to gain some ground in the standings and fight for a postseason spot.