Judge Plans to Skip Rehab, Return

Aaron Judge is pressing to return to the Yankees without a minor-league rehab stint, arguing that he can get the necessary at-bats and timing by training in the indoor cage and around the major-league environment. He has previously skipped rehab stints, including in 2023, and says his past experiences give him a clear sense of what he needs to do to get back on the field. Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated he’ll support the captain’s judgment while remaining flexible on timing and potential setbacks. Judge has begun light practice, taking swings and doing running and outfield work, and stresses there has been no abnormal soreness or setbacks so far. The plan remains fluid, with no fixed return date, reflecting a cautious-but-optimistic approach to a comeback from a right rib stress fracture.