ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Yankees began a week-long trip on the west coast Monday with Aaron Judge in tow — and not just so he could be back in his home state.
If his ramp-up continues to go well this week as he adds more activity, “it’s possible” Judge could return to the Yankees during their next homestand that runs Sept. 8-13, manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Monday.
“I’m not going to put a date on it, but I think those things are in play now,” Boone said before opening a series at Angel Stadium. “It’s about getting the durability and the workload built up on him, which is the biggest thing now.”
As the Yankees took batting practice on Monday, Judge was out in right field doing defensive drills. The back-to-back AL MVP has been hitting inside over the past week, not yet against high velocity but responding well as he comes back from the right rib stress fracture that has sidelined him since the end of May.
Judge has said he hopes to avoid a rehab assignment, instead making up for one by facing the equivalent of live pitching against the Trajekt machine — which simulates exact pitches of big leaguers.
“He’s doing well,” Boone said. “He’s here, to continue to ramp up baseball activities. We’re getting closer, but feel good about where he’s at.”
