Yankees MVP Judge Sidelined with Rib Injury

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is sidelined due to a persistent right shoulder and right side rib discomfort, leading to his removal from the starting lineup on June 3, 2026. Manager Aaron Boone expressed concern, noting that an MRI confirmed a bone contusion near Judge's right ribs.

Boone observed that the injury has been impacting Judge's powerful swing. "He's been dealing with some shoulder soreness for the past few weeks, it’s been lingering a bit," Boone said. "But I think it got to a point in the last few games in Sacramento, I think it was more than just discomfort. I could see it in some of his swings, it was becoming more of an issue than it was before. I think it's affecting him."

Last year's American League MVP, Judge, who batted .331 with 53 home runs and 114 RBIs, previously missed 10 games in late July due to a right elbow flexor strain. He underwent PRP injections and returned to play in September without needing surgery.

This season, Judge has appeared in 59 games, hitting 17 home runs and driving in 38 runs with a .248 batting average and an .908 OPS. However, his performance has dipped recently, with a .178 batting average in the last 15 days and only one home run since May 11. The team awaits further evaluation from the team doctor to determine the extent of the injury.

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He's been dealing with some shoulder soreness for the past few weeks, it’s been lingering a bit. But I think it got to a point in the last few games in Sacramento, I think it was more than just discomfort. I could see it in some of his swings, it was becoming more of an issue than it was before. I think it's affecting him.