Aaron Judge Returns With Yankees Facing a Massive Test
Aaron Judge Returns With Yankees Facing a Massive Test  
Podcast: Evan & Tiki
Published On: Tue Sep 08 2026
Description: Aaron Judge is back after missing 84 games, and the Yankees somehow survived his absence with a 45-39 record. Now comes the real challenge: can Judge shake off three months without game action quickly enough to help New York chase down Tampa Bay in the AL East? The Yankees enter the final stretch four games behind the Rays, with Boston also refusing to disappear. Judge’s return should immediately strengthen a lineup that struggled badly without him, but expectations need to be realistic. The priority is getting Judge comfortable and fully ready for October, even if the Yankees’ chances of stealing the division remain slim.