AARON JUDGE REPORTS PROGRESS ON RIB FRACTURE AHEAD OF POSTSEASON

New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge has reported progress in his recovery from a stress fracture in his right rib, according to a re-imaging procedure conducted during the All-Star break. Judge indicated that a return to play is planned before the postseason begins. The Yankees currently hold the leading Wild Card position in the American League with a record of 54 wins and 42 losses, though the Tampa Bay Rays lead both the AL East and the wider American League.

Judge has been selected for his eighth All-Star team this season despite his time on the injured list. He is a three-time AL MVP, having won the award in back-to-back seasons in the two years prior. During his decade-long career with the Yankees, Judge has established what those close to the franchise describe as extraordinary standards of play. The Yankees have not won a World Series since 2009, a period during which Judge has played for the team.

Former Yankees player Alex Rodriguez stated on WFAN Sports Radio that the team has a legitimate chance of reaching the World Series this year. Rodriguez, who was part of the 2009 championship-winning Yankees squad, expressed concern about the significance of Judge potentially retiring without a World Series title. Rodriguez characterised the American League as "the weakest it has been in all our lifetimes" and observed that the National League remains strong by comparison. The Yankees have discussed their World Series ambitions throughout the offseason.