Yankees slugger Aaron Judge revealed his right rib stress fracture originated from a late‑April dive, forcing him to endure discomfort for more than a month before the pain became intolerable in Sacramento. He refused to set a return date, while New York announced a re‑imaging window of four to six weeks before determining his next move.

Club physicians ordered X‑rays, a CT scan and an MRI this week, then consulted thoracic‑outlet expert Dr. Gregory Pearl to eliminate a more severe syndrome. Judge noted the break lies near the spot of a 2019 fracture sustained after a similar dive, an injury he played through before the pandemic postponed the 2020 season.

Manager Aaron Boone has barred Judge from all baseball activities, leaving the Yankees without their three‑time AL MVP as the postseason push intensifies. His prolonged absence pressures a lineup already grappling with injuries and may compel New York to lean on bench players to maintain competitiveness.