beyond the back page The mysteries these Yankees still need to solve before the playoffs arrive By Dan Martin Published Sep. 7, 2026, 7:40 a.m. ET Aaron Judge walks the field during Yankees batting practice in San Diego on Sept. 4, 2026. MLB Photos via Getty Images Today might be an off day for the Yankees, but it’s a significant one for their playoff aspirations, as Aaron Judge is expected to face live pitching for the first time since being sidelined with a right rib stress fracture.
Aaron Boone on Sunday said he didn’t rule out Judge being in the lineup as soon as Tuesday in The Bronx against the Rockies.
Judge has been sidelined since the beginning of June and both he and the Yankees say Judge will skip a rehab assignment — despite the lengthy absence.
If Judge, indeed, is able to get back during the homestand, either against the Rockies or during the Subway Series versus the Mets next weekend, he’ll get about two-plus weeks to prepare for the playoffs.
