Aaron Judge is back in the Yankees lineup. The 33-year-old slugger returned from the injured list on September 7, with the move confirmed Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Judge's return gives New York its most productive hitter back on the active roster heading into the final weeks of the regular season.
What Happened
Judge was activated from the injured list on September 7, ending his absence from the active roster. The Yankees confirmed the return Wednesday. No timetable for his return had been publicly set, making the news a welcome development for New York.
Why Judge's Return Matters
The numbers tell the story. In 2025, Judge slashed .331/.457/.688 with a 1.145 OPS across 152 games. He hit 53 home runs, drove in 114, scored 137 times, and drew 124 walks — 36 of them intentional. Those aren't just good numbers. That's a lineup centerpiece that opposing pitchers actively work around, evidenced by that intentional walk total.
With Judge back and active, the Yankees get their most dangerous bat restored to the order during a stretch of the calendar where every game carries weight.
What We Know
- Judge was placed on the injured list prior to September 7
- He returned to the active roster on September 7, 2026
- He carries no active hitting streaks entering his return
- Judge posted a 1.145 OPS with 53 home runs and a .331 average in 2025
Keep an eye on how the Yankees deploy Judge in his first games back. After any IL stint, workload management is worth monitoring — but the fact that he's in uniform and active is the headline right now.
