Aaron Judge Returns From Injury, But Will He Play On Opening Day?

The New York Yankees got a welcome bit of good news on Wednesday night, as superstar outfielder Aaron Judge made his return to the field.

Judge last played 10 days ago, before going down with a mysterious abdominal injury that required an MRI. Around that same time, the Yankees also lost reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole to an arm injury, sparking fears that they'd be without their two best players for a significant amount of time.

READ: Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole Injuries An Ominous Sign For Yankees Season

Cole got, well, as good of news as he could have hoped for recently, when famed surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache confirmed that he did not have a tear in his elbow ligament that would require Tommy John surgery. And things continue to look up for the Yankees, with Judge returning for two plate appearances in a 12-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday night. 

But with just four spring training games left before Opening Day, a four-inning appearance didn't guarantee that Judge would be ready for the regular season. He answered those questions though, after the game.

"Feeling good," Judge said. "Like I’ve been telling you guys, just excited to get back in there. Get a couple at-bats, get a couple swings, get a couple tough plays in the field and get ready for the next game."

"I think we’ll be in a good spot," he said. "We’re going to get my work in, like I have been the past couple weeks, and we’ll be ready to go for Opening Day."

BALTIMORE - Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees bats during the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 9, 2023. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Aaron Judge Return Salvages Hope For The Yankees

With Cole out at least 1 to 2 months, Judge takes on an even more important role in the middle of the Yankee lineup. Even with Juan Soto, the Yankees offensive depth is thin. 

The rotation, without Cole, is also a question mark. Carlos Rodon is coming off a dismal 2023, Nestor Cortes is returning from injury, and Marcus Stroman and Clarke Schmidt provide depth, but little upside. 

Given Judge won't reach his usual amount of spring training plate appearances, it may take him longer to return to his usual form than in past years. But any version of Judge healthy and on the field for Opening Day is a massive win for the Yankees.