Aaron Judge Sidelined with Rib Stress Fracture as Yankees Face Extended Lineup Gap

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge has been ruled out through at least the All-Star break after being diagnosed with a stress fracture of the first rib on his right side. The injury was confirmed by the team on June 4, following a series of medical tests after Judge last appeared in a game on May 31. The 34-year-old former MVP will now undergo a period of rest and limited activity, with doctors planning to reexamine him in four to six weeks. While the Yankees stated he is “expected to return sometime this season,” no firm timeline has been set.

Judge’s condition has raised additional concern because his test results are being reviewed by a thoracic outlet syndrome specialist. In some cases, similar injuries have required rib removal surgery, which can lead to extended recovery periods and potentially end a player’s season. The Yankees have not confirmed whether surgery will be necessary.

Aaron Judge Sidelined with Rib Stress Fracture as Yankees Face Extended Lineup Gap

Aaron Judge Sidelined Indefinitely as Yankees Scramble to Fill Lineup Gap

Before the injury, Judge was again performing at an elite level, hitting 17 home runs in 59 games and maintaining a strong .907 OPS, though slightly below his 2025 pace. Last season, he won his second consecutive AL MVP award after leading MLB in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, and home runs.

His absence has already impacted the Yankees, who dropped two of three games to the Cleveland Guardians and struggled to replace his offensive production. The team has rotated players like Jose Caballero and Max Schuemann in right field, highlighting the lineup gap left by Judge.

New York currently sits 37–25, narrowly trailing the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East as they await further clarity on their captain’s recovery.