Aaron Judge's return date from the Injured List is forthcoming
The New York Yankees are in the midst of a challenging season, dropping to third place in the American League East with a record of 60-53. However, the return of slugger Aaron Judge from a strain in his elbow could provide a much-needed boost.
Aaron Judge brings a significant positive impact to the Yankees' performance when he is in the lineup. His 2025 season statistics and advanced metrics highlight his central role in the team's run-producing efforts. Judge's .339 batting average, 37 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 90 runs scored are impressive, and his weighted on-base average (wOBA) of .464 and Expected wOBA (xwOBA) of .453 further underscore his elite offensive contributions.
When Judge is in the lineup, the Yankees benefit from his ability to drive in runs and score, raising the team’s overall offensive production. He consistently produces clutch hits, like his game-tying RBI single on August 8, 2025, demonstrating his impact in critical moments. His performance helps lift the team’s scoring potential and win probability.
Without Judge, the Yankees have found themselves in "survival mode" in trying to fill that void. In the current year, the Yankees are 4-5 without his presence. His absence has been evident, as the team has struggled since June 13, going 18-28. The Yankees lost their fourth consecutive game in the series against the Texas Rangers, with a score of 8-5, due to another bullpen meltdown.
Aaron Judge's return provides a much-needed sigh of relief for the Yankees, who are currently in a three-game series against the Texas Rangers. Manager Aaron Boone has officially confirmed Judge's return to the lineup. The Yankees' overall record with Judge in the lineup stands at 197-174, per StatMuse.
With Judge back in the lineup, the Yankees can expect improved offensive metrics. New York scores more runs, hits for a higher average, and has a high on-base percentage with Judge in the lineup. Aaron Judge leads the American League in batting average and OPS, making his return a crucial factor in the team's hopes for a playoff run.
The Yankees currently find themselves 5.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays, who hold the first place in the American League East. With Judge back in the lineup, the Yankees will aim to close the gap and mount a comeback in the second half of the season.
The Yankees have struggled significantly in the absence of Aaron Judge, with a 4-5 record in the current year without him. His return to the lineup, confirmed by manager Aaron Boone, can be expected to improve the team's offensive metrics, as they tend to score more runs, hit for a higher average, and have a high on-base percentage with Judge in the lineup. With Aaron Judge leading the American League in batting average and OPS, his return is crucial for the Yankees' hopes of mounting a comeback in the second half of the season and potentially challenging the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East.
