Latest Aaron Judge injury update was a literal Yankees baby step but it felt monumental

New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge played catch on Friday and felt great doing it. That basic report from Tricia Whitaker on Apple TV’s pregame coverage landed with fans like something far more consequential than an ordinary throwing session.

For a Yankees club that has struggled mightily on offense ever since Judge exited the lineup with a fractured rib, any news of progress for Judge is meaningful.

Do the Yankees have fundamental, perhaps mental issues whenever runners are in scoring position ... problems that go beyond Judge's absence? Sure. But there's no doubt that Judge returning would at least mix things up and provide some optimistic energy that the Yankees and their fans are starving for right now.

It's tough to say what Judge's production will look like once he returns. There'll be rust for Judge to deal with after so much time off. For weeks, he was limited to lower-body exercises only. Judge isn't swinging yet or taking full throws with game intensity. He's not exactly around the corner from a rehab assignment, but that doesn't change the fact that this recent report felt good all across Yankees nation.

The Yankees have struggled through every day of Aaron Judge's absence

New York has missed its captain dearly since he last appeared in a game on May 31. During that stretch, the Yankees have gone 32-31, compared to 36-23 beforehand. Moreover, the Yanks had a .770 team OPS on May 31 through 59 games. Their OPS since Judge has been out is .671.

Obviously, New York's struggles aren't all about Judge, nor has he been the only player absent. Giancarlo Stanton has been out since April, and more recently, Cody Bellinger hit the Injured List. Leading up to his own IL stint, Bellinger's bat was beginning to crumble from the weight of the pressure of carrying New York's decimated lineup. A similar fate has befallen Ben Rice lately, though at least he's remained uninjured.

Deadline reinforcements in the form of Luis García Jr. and Heliot Ramos have been more or less halfway effective thus far, but Judge's absence still looms large. Whenever Judge is suiting up for the Yankees, opposing pitchers have so much more to worry about, and suddenly Yankees hitters around Judge are protected. Think about how much easier someone like García's life will be once Judge returns.

The Yankees' excellent starting rotation has kept this club afloat during a horrific offensive drought that's gone on for months. The most optimistic Yankees fans point to this element of the team as evidence that once Judge and Bellinger get back the offense is humming again, this is a well-rounded contender.

Get excited about Aaron Judge, but don't expect him to be in MVP form

Yes, Judge has specifically said publicly that he's returning this season, and the Yankees appear to be planning for that reality. But that doesn't mean Judge will be 100% healthy when he does step back on the diamond. Rib injuries like his don't often heal on a predictable calendar. Caution would normally be the name of the game here, if not for Judge's ultra-competitive desire to get back out there and help this team during the stretch run and the postseason.

At this point, Judge operating at even 70% capacity would be able to boost such a helpless offense. As long as fans temper their expectations for Judge when he gets back and don't expect him to be in immediate MVP form, any news of his progress can be met with supreme excitement.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow