Aaron Judge seeks direct return to Yankees; Clarke Schmidt to rehab Saturday

The New York Yankees provided updates ahead of their series finale against the Houston Astros. Aaron Judge expressed a desire to bypass minor league rehab games, aiming to return directly to the Yankees after his recovery. Manager Aaron Boone noted Judge's progress in batting practice, emphasizing the need for strength and conditioning as he adapts back to game intensity. In another update, Clarke Schmidt is scheduled to make his first rehab start on Saturday, having last pitched in July. Meanwhile, reliever Fernando Cruz is on the 15-day injured list due to a partial UCL tear, with surgery options pending.

• 9:10 PMYahoo Sports — Yankees Notes: Aaron Judge hopes to avoid minor league stint, Clarke Schmidt to pitch in rehab game Saturday