The New York Yankees have been without Aaron Judge since May 31 as he recovers from a stress fracture in his rib.
The three-time MVP was an All-Star this season, and it's hard to imagine the Yankees winning the World Series without him. Judge's absence is being felt more than ever with Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger also out with injuries. While the team has noted that there is healing, his return is not guaranteed.
"I think that question is a fair question on anybody's side," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said when asked if Judge could miss the rest of the year, per ESPN's Jorge Castillo. "Like is that possible? It's always possible that things don't go the way you want, but we currently are still very optimistic that he's going to return.
"But there's challenges with all that, too. While he's returning, whenever that timeframe is, and ramping him up and getting his timing down, etc., etc. etc. So I can't rule out any of it."
Cashman is not ruling out the possibility of Judge not returning, and the team made moves at the trade deadline that reflect that possibility. Instead of adding to the bullpen, the Yankees acquired Luis Garcia Jr. and Heliot Ramos. Ramos could play in the outfield every day for the rest of the season if Judge does not return. Right now, he will have to play no matter what with Judge and Bellinger both out.
Judge had a .907 OPS and 17 home runs through 59 games before his injury. He was fifth in home runs at the time he got hurt, and getting him back could jumpstart a World Series run in the Bronx.