New York Yankees captain's rib fracture recovery still without timeline, team moves him to 60-day injured list

New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge has made progress in his recovery from a rib fracture, but the latest check-up reveals he still hasn't reached the standard for resuming training, leading the team to formally move him to the 60-day injured list. However, the Yankees also received some good news, including right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt completing his first live batting practice since surgery, and Giancarlo Stanton and Max Fried both making steady progress in their recoveries.

Judge has been sidelined since May 31 due to a rib fracture, and underwent his latest scan during the All-Star break. Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated that the scan confirmed the fracture is steadily healing, with pain gradually subsiding, but he is still unable to engage in any training. Boone noted that Judge must be completely symptom-free before increasing upper-body training intensity, so the timing of his next scan will depend on his recovery progress. "The good news is that over the past few weeks, his pain has shifted from sharp stabbing to a milder pulling sensation. Hopefully, this improvement continues, and then we can gradually increase his training load," Boone said.

The 34-year-old Judge appeared in the first 59 games of the season, posting a .248 batting average with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs. However, in the 18 games before his injury, he managed only one home run. The Yankees had a 36-23 record before Judge's injury, but have since gone 18-20, a clear decline in performance. By moving Judge to the 60-day injured list, the team frees up a spot on the 40-man roster, allowing them to promote right-handed pitcher Bradley Hanner to the majors before subsequently optioning him to Triple-A.

On another front, right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt, who underwent Tommy John surgery in July last year, achieved a major milestone. He completed his first live batting practice session since the operation, throwing 15 pitches over one inning, with a fastball reaching 95 mph. He used four-seam fastballs, sinkers, and cutters, but did not include breaking balls like sliders. Schmidt said stepping back on the mound against hitters helped him regain his game feel. "It wasn't the same intensity as a real game, but it was close. Being able to stand on the mound again after a year and show my pitches felt really good," Schmidt said. He is expected to face live hitters again in four to five days. Given the limited time remaining in the season, he admitted he would be open to any role—whether as a reliever, opener, or other bullpen position—if he can return by season's end, hoping to contribute wherever needed.

Additionally, "The Monster" Giancarlo Stanton, who has been out due to a right calf strain, is gradually approaching a return. Boone revealed that Stanton has resumed running drills for about a week while continuing batting practice. Although his rehabilitation progress experienced a delay a few weeks ago, the overall direction is quite positive, and he is getting closer to a comeback, though he has not yet started base running.

Left-handed pitcher Max Fried also brought good news. He recently completed his first minor league rehab game, pitching three innings, allowing two runs, striking out three, and walking none. Boone said Fried's overall pitching performance was satisfactory. He is expected to make another rehab start in five days, gradually increasing his pitch count before a decision is made on his return to the majors.