New York Yankees star Aaron Judge said Thursday he will not need a minor league rehab assignment when cleared to return from a stress fracture in his rib that has sidelined him since May 31. "Why waste at-bats? Why waste anything down in a minor league game?" Judge said. "I've been doing this for a while now and I got a sense of what I need to do on the field and how to manage it." Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Judge communicated that stance, noting creative ways exist to build up playing readiness. Judge also skipped a rehab stint during his 2023 toe injury absence. The 34-year-old three-time AL MVP took 15 swings against overhand pitching Tuesday, a significant step forward.

Boone called the session encouraging. Next steps include facing high-velocity machines and live pitching. Judge acknowledged his power and bat speed aren't guaranteed to return to pre-injury form immediately but remains unconcerned.

The Yankees' offense has struggled during his absence, ranking near the bottom in runs, batting average, and OPS since June 1. Boone plans to deploy Judge primarily in right field with occasional DH days, though he doesn't expect Judge to dive for balls. Judge called the April setback a "fluke thing" and said he has protected the rib well in recent years.