Overview
- The Yankees activated Judge from the 60-day injured list after he faced live pitching at Yankee Stadium, a decision cleared by medical staff, GM Brian Cashman and owner Hal Steinbrenner and announced Monday.
- Judge returned to the lineup Tuesday and started in right field but was removed after six innings, finishing 0-for-3 with two strikeouts as the team followed a planned, gradual workload.
- New York declined to send Judge on a minor-league rehab assignment and instead treated his live-pitch session and limited big-league innings as the key steps before full reinstatement.
- Pitching carried the night: Cam Schlittler threw seven one-run innings with 10 strikeouts to help the Yankees win 5-3 in Judge’s return and to ease pressure on an offense that struggled during his absence.
- Judge’s return matters because the Yankees averaged about a run more per game with him earlier this season, so the club will use the remaining regular-season games to restore his timing and protect him for October.