Aaron Judge Expected to Return from IL Next Week as Designated Hitter for Yankees

Aaron Judge is anticipated to be activated from the injured list next Tuesday or Wednesday against the Rangers, following a flexor tendon strain. The Yankees captain, who received a PRP injection, will take live at-bats in Tampa on Sunday and is expected to return primarily as a designated hitter. He has been taking on-field batting practice and is not scheduled to begin a throwing program for another week-plus, impacting Giancarlo Stanton's defensive role. Since the All-Star break, Judge has slashed .160/.267/.400 with two home runs, four RBI, and 11 strikeouts in 25 at-bats.