AARON JUDGE DIAGNOSED WITH RIB STRESS FRACTURE

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his rib. The injury will sideline him for a significant period, the team has confirmed. Judge had been undergoing evaluation amid concerns about the severity of the condition. The Yankees made the diagnosis public following medical assessment of the $360 million slugger.

Judge signed a nine-year, $360 million contract with the Yankees, making him one of the highest-paid position players in Major League Baseball history. The rib stress fracture raises concerns about a potential underlying rib disorder. Medical staff had been monitoring the injury before confirming the diagnosis. The timeline for his return has not been specified beyond the confirmation that he faces a significant absence.

Judge serves as the Yankees' primary power hitter and team captain, making his absence a notable development for the club's roster. The team has not announced a specific return date or detailed a rehabilitation schedule. No replacement or roster transaction has been publicly confirmed at this stage. The Yankees have not indicated whether Judge requires surgery or will pursue a non-surgical recovery path.