The New York Yankees have provided an update about captain Aaron Judge, who prematurely exited a series against the Cleveland Guardians. He will miss a significant amount of time.
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The Yankees confirmed the diagnosis with a statement released on Thursday. The team noted that it expects the three-time MVP back at some point this season.
"(Outfielder) Aaron Judge has been diagnosed with a stress fracture of the first rib on his right side," the Yankees said. "This will require a period of rest and limited activity.
"He will be re-imaged in approximately four to six weeks to determine level of healing and appropriate next steps. Judge is expected to return at some point this season."
According to MLB's Bryan Hoch, the slugger spent time in New York undergoing an MRI, X-rays, and a CT scan. Swelling caused difficulty as the team and physicians sought to determine the extent of Judge's injury.
Judge had previously expressed discomfort during a series against the Athletics. He then exited a game against the Guardians due to the issue. He ultimately missed Tuesday's game, his first absence of the season.
The Yankees have not announced the plans for the immediate future. However, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that the team will call up outfielder Spencer Jones from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Jones has hit 13 home runs and accounted for 48 RBIs this season for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He has 42 hits in 156 at-bat appearances.
Jones has appeared in 423 Minor League Baseball games since 2022. He has hit 85 home runs and delivered a .497 slugging percentage while accounting for 284 RBIs.
The Yankees do indeed call up Jones, he will face a difficult task. He will have to try to fill the hole left by Judge, a seven-time All-Star who has led MLB in home runs three times, as the Yankees try to chase down the Rays for the American League East lead.
