Aaron Judge takes indoor BP against overhand pitching, still not cleared for games

Aaron Judge took indoor batting practice against overhand pitching for the first time, marking a step forward in his recovery but stopping short of clearance to play, MLB.com reported.

The milestone signals that Judge's rehabilitation is advancing through its phases, though the Yankees remain in a holding pattern on when their captain might rejoin the lineup. The club has not announced a timeline for his return to game action.

Why it matters

Judge's availability shapes the Yankees' roster construction and offensive depth as the team navigates the final month of the regular season. Indoor batting practice against overhand pitching represents a controlled progression—a step between stationary work and the demands of live competition. The fact that Judge has now reached this stage suggests his medical team is confident enough in his recovery to introduce the overhead mechanics that game situations require, but the absence of game clearance indicates caution remains warranted.

The timing matters operationally. A player on the injured list can remain there for 10 days (for position players) or 15 days (for pitchers and two-way players), or be transferred to the 60-day IL, which removes him from the 40-man roster count. The Yankees' active roster runs at 26 players through August 31, then expands to 28 from September 1 onward—a week away—which will give the club additional roster flexibility whether or not Judge is ready to return. His status will influence how the club deploys that roster space in the stretch run.

The September expansion has historically served as a safety net for clubs managing injuries and workload in the final weeks. For a team holding a Wild Card position, the ability to carry extra depth without sacrificing pitching coverage or defensive options becomes especially valuable. If Judge's recovery extends into September, the Yankees will have more room to maneuver around his absence while keeping their playoff-caliber roster intact.

The numbers

The Yankees sit at 81-61 (.570), a winning percentage that reflects a club built to contend but one that has had to navigate uncertainty at key positions. The record places them 2nd in the AL East, 4 games behind the division leader, and 1st in the Wild Card race with a +9.5 cushion relative to the cut line. That margin offers breathing room, but not immunity—the final month will test whether the club can maintain its position without its most recognizable bat.

Judge's absence removes not just a lineup anchor but also the operational certainty that comes with having a known quantity in the order every day. The Yankees have managed to stay in the race, winning their last game to enter the Houston series on a one-game streak, but the calculus changes if the recovery timeline stretches further into September.

Where the club stands

The Astros visit Yankee Stadium for three games beginning Tuesday, August 25, with Will Warren probable against Ethan Pecko. Wednesday, August 26, features Elmer Rodríguez against Peter Lambert. Gerrit Cole is scheduled to pitch Thursday, August 27, against Hayden Wesneski.

The series arrives at a moment when the Yankees' depth at Judge's position and throughout the lineup will be tested. Houston brings its own postseason ambitions, and the Yankees will need to field a competitive roster regardless of Judge's status. The club's ability to hold its Wild Card lead while managing his absence will define the final weeks of the regular season.

The schedule beyond Houston remains unannounced, but the Yankees' position in the standings suggests every series carries weight. A four-game gap in the division is not insurmountable, but it requires sustained performance—and the kind of offensive production Judge typically provides.

What we don't know yet

MLB.com did not specify which injury or condition prompted Judge's absence or provide a target date for his return. The report also did not clarify whether Judge has been cleared for outdoor batting practice, live pitching, or any intermediate steps between indoor work and game availability. The club has not announced whether he is expected to play in the Houston series or beyond.

The lack of a public timeline is not unusual for injury recoveries, particularly when a player is progressing through rehabilitation phases. Clubs often wait until a player has cleared multiple benchmarks before committing to a return date, especially in late August when roster decisions carry playoff implications. But the absence of detail leaves the Yankees and their fans in a familiar state: waiting for the next update, watching for the next phase, and hoping the progression continues without setbacks.

What to watch

Judge's progression through the remaining phases of his rehab will determine whether he can contribute down the stretch. The next indicator will be whether he advances to outdoor batting practice or faces live pitching in a controlled setting. Any update from the Yankees on his status—or his appearance in a game—will signal a meaningful shift in the team's offensive outlook as the regular season enters its final weeks.

The Houston series will also clarify how the Yankees plan to deploy their roster in Judge's absence. If the club continues to win without him, the urgency to rush his return diminishes. If the offense struggles, the pressure to accelerate his timeline grows. Either way, the indoor batting practice session represents progress, even if the finish line remains out of sight.

September 1 looms as a roster inflection point. The expanded active roster will give the Yankees more flexibility to carry additional position players or pitchers, and if Judge is nearing a return, the timing could align neatly with the calendar. Until then, the Yankees will continue to navigate the final month with one of baseball's most important players still working his way back.