Three-time AL MVP Aaron Judge was activated from the injured list Monday night by the New York Yankees, ending a stay on the injured list that began May 31 due to a fractured rib. The 34-year-old captain had been sidelined since late April after suffering the injury making a diving catch. The Yankees went 45-39 in his absence while maintaining a strong wild-card position, but hope his return will revitalize an offense that ranks 26th in runs scored during that span.

Judge participated in live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Monday, which the team deemed sufficient for activation without a rehabilitation assignment. He is set to face Colorado Rockies right-hander Gabriel Hughes in his first at-bat on Tuesday as the Yankees begin a homestand against the Rockies and Mets, hoping to close the four-game gap on AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays. Prior to the injury, Judge was hitting .248/.375/.533 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs in 59 games.

The Yankees' pitching staff, led by AL Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodon, has carried the team this season with an MLB-best 3.05 bullpen ERA.