Yankees captain Judge may return to the starting lineup as early as tomorrow.

Everything remains uncertain until Yankees manager Aaron Boone fills out tomorrow's lineup card, but Aaron Judge is likely to return as a designated hitter after missing 10 days.

"I think that's the plan," Boone said before the Yankees begin a three-game series in Texas today.

Judge was placed on the injured list on July 28 after suffering a right elbow strain from a throw to home plate five days earlier. He is eligible to return tomorrow, and after taking batting practice in Tampa yesterday and today, the power hitter is expected to reunite with the Yankees in Arlington at some point tonight, Boone said.

Without Judge, the Yankees have a record of 4 wins and 5 losses, losing their last three games against the Marlins, and their batting line in those nine games is just .227/.307/.388. Judge leads the majors in batting average (.342), on-base percentage (.449), slugging percentage (.711), and OPS (1.160). The Yankees' need for his hitting ability cannot be overstated.

"He’s Aaron Judge—we know what he means to our lineup and to the guys in the clubhouse," Boone said. "So having him back is definitely exciting for us. Hopefully, he can also return to playing defense in the outfield soon after."

The current plan is for Judge to participate in throwing drills today or tomorrow, after which the Yankees can determine his potential timeline for returning to right field.

"Then we'll see when we get back home on Saturday against the Astros," Boone said. "As for the rehab process—regarding treatment, I know he did some strength training today, and then he’ll start throwing drills; his arm will tell him when he’s ready."