Aaron Judge nears Yankees return for upcoming homestand against Rockies

Aaron Judge is trending toward a return to the Yankees lineup during the team's upcoming home series against the Colorado Rockies. The outfielder has been sidelined since June 5 due to a right rib fracture but participated in running, hitting, and outfield drills in San Diego on Saturday. Aaron Boone intends to play Judge regularly upon his return rather than easing him back with limited innings. Judge has expressed a preference to avoid a minor league rehabilitation assignment, opting instead to join the active roster directly. General Manager Brian Cashman noted the organization is working to ensure the player is fully prepared for the demands of Major League play. Spencer Jones is expected to shift to center field to accommodate Judge's return to right field.

• 1:37 PMYahoo Sports — Aaron Boone ‘wants to play Aaron Judge as much as he can’