King is back: Yankees activate Aaron Judge off IL

The New York Yankees have reinstated Aaron Judge from the injured list on Friday, just in time for their upcoming road series against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. Judge had been sidelined since June 3 due to a ligament tear in his right big toe, which occurred during a catch at Dodger Stadium.

Before returning to the team, Judge participated in a Wednesday simulated game in Tampa, Florida. He then faced live pitching on Sunday at Yankee Stadium, marking the first time since his injury. Additionally, he homered during a simulated game on Tuesday in Florida and demonstrated his ability to play the field and run the bases.

Judge now joins the Yankees as they open a crucial three-game showdown on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles.

As part of a corresponding roster adjustment, New York decided to send infielder Oswald Peraza to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. During his 19 games with the Yankees this season, Peraza achieved a batting average of .173 and managed to drive in six runs. However, in Triple-A, his performance has been more impressive, with a .261 batting average, a .352 on-base percentage, and a .495 slugging percentage. Additionally, he recorded 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 45 games at the Triple-A level.

The Yankees have certainly had a less successful run during Judge’s absence, with a 19-23 record, compared to their 30-19 record when he was in the lineup. Judge has also missed ten games this season due to a right hip strain. Last year, he set an AL record with 62 home runs and currently holds a batting average of .291 with 19 homers and 40 RBIs in the first year of his $360 million, nine-year contract that he signed last offseason.