Yankees' 2026 stretch run: Judge's return and Bellinger's resurgence

Key developments

1. Aug 29, 2026

   Aaron Judge says he intends to skip minor-league rehab and return quickly from his rib injury, insisting 'no detours needed.'

   8 sources on this →
2. Aug 29, 2026

   Cody Bellinger ends a lengthy homer drought with a three-run shot and leads the majors in Defensive Runs Saved as the Yankees hold the AL wild-card lead over the Red Sox.

   13 sources on this →

Coverage across the spectrum

Stories in this storyline

Photo: The White House / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Sports

Judge Plans to Skip Rehab, Return

Aaron Judge intends to skip a minor-league rehab and push for a timely return from his rib injury, saying he’s ready to play and “no detours needed,” a move he’s echoed before in 2023. The Yankees and Boone say the timeline remains fluid, with Judge already taking swings and running as he builds back without a set date, emphasizing that he doesn’t want to waste at-bats or time in the minors.

8 sources

Photo: Ian D'Andrea / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Sports

Yankees Lead AL Wild Card Race Over Red Sox

Cody Bellinger has established himself as a premier defender for the Yankees, leading in Defensive Runs Saved and other metrics while delivering clutch plays such as a go-ahead, center-field fence hit against the Astros. He also ended a lengthy homer drought with a three-run shot after returning from the injured list, contributing to a season where he remains a central figure in New York’s playoff push.