Aaron Judge Attends US Open Ahead of Yankees Return

Aaron Judge, recently activated from the injured list after a three-month absence due to a right rib stress fracture, attended the U.S. Open with his wife, Samantha, on the eve of his return to the New York Yankees. They watched Coco Gauff's victory over Iva Jovic at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Judge's return to the Yankees follows a series of preparations that included facing live pitching, on-field batting practice, and tracking pitches during bullpen sessions. Pitcher Max Fried remarked, 'He’s our captain, best player in baseball. To have him back in the lineup is obviously a huge boost. We’re definitely a better team when he’s in the lineup.' Since Judge last played on May 31, the Yankees have recorded a 45-39 record and are currently four games behind the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays while holding a two-game lead over the Boston Red Sox for the top wild-card spot. Yankees rookies Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. also attended the match, accompanied by Lombard's mother, Judy. The Yankees are set to begin a three-game home series against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night, with Judge expected to play.