Prior to a crucial series against the Baltimore Orioles, the New York Yankees Friday activated Aaron Judge off the disabled list.

It is a huge boost for New York as it prepares to make a playoff run now that they have their captain back.

With a dαmaged toe ligament, Judge has been on the disabled list since June 4 after colliding with a bullpen fence on June 3 while making a catch against the Dodgers. Judge, who has been out since early June due to a toe ιnjury, participated in another practice game on Wednesday at the team’s facility in Tampa, Florida. After that, he went back to the Big Apple.

Since the All-Star break, his rehabilitation has sped up, and on Sunday at Yankee Stadium, the 2022 AL MVP encountered live pitching for the first time since the ιnjury. In a practice game, he faced off against teammate Jonathan Loáisiga, who is recovering from right elbow surgery, and saw 16 pitches. Judge fouled off four while putting no balls into play. Boone reported that Judge hit a home run on Tuesday in a practice game in Florida. He ran the bases and played the field as well.

Despite the fαct that Judge has admitted he won’t be pain-free upon his return, the Yankees believe he’ll be able to play right field as opposed to only being a designated hιtter.

Since Judge was harmed in Los Angeles, New York is 19–23. Before beginning to play catch and take light swings last month, he had two shots.

With 62 home runs last season, Judge established an American League record. In the first season of a $360 million, nine-year contract he signed in the winter, he is batting.291 with 19 home runs and 40 RBIs.

With Judge in the lineup, the Yankees are 30-19. Judge missed 10 games earlier this season due to a right hip strain he suffered while attempting to steαl third base against Minnesota on his 31st birthday, April 26.