The New York Yankees are navigating one of the most challenging injury stretches of the 2026 season, with superstar Aaron Judge undergoing additional imaging on Thursday as he seeks a second medical opinion. While fans remain anxious about their captain, there is a glimmer of positive development in the Bronx: outfielder Jasson Dominguez is making significant strides in his recovery.
Dominguez, sidelined since early May after crashing into the left field wall and suffering a sprained AC joint, took live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday. He is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Friday. Should Judge land on the injured list, the Yankees are expected to fast-track Dominguez to the big leagues, prioritizing him over top prospect Spencer Jones. His rapid progress stands out, especially given the slower recoveries of other key players.
Judge’s status remains the biggest cloud hanging over the team. Currently out of the lineup, the slugger is awaiting results following his consultation with a specialist. For many Yankees supporters, Judge’s health has become the ultimate dealbreaker. The club has weathered multiple injury situations earlier in the year, but a prolonged absence of their MVP-caliber leader could test the depth and resilience of the roster like never before.
On the pitching side, Max Fried continues to work his way back from a bone bruise in his left elbow, an injury that forced him from his start against the Baltimore Orioles on May 13. The left-hander has been throwing at 75 feet and is expected to progress to 90 feet “soon,” according to Yankees insider Bryan Hoch. However, he will still require a proper build-up and a rehab assignment before rejoining the rotation. A conservative estimate points to a potential return near the end of June.
Meanwhile, Giancarlo Stanton’s calf injury, suffered on April 28, has proven more stubborn than initially hoped. Though he was “cleared to run” following recent MRI results, Stanton has yet to resume running. He is currently limited to jogging, agility drills, consistent hitting work, and batting practice. With no firm timetable in sight, any hopes of a mid-June return are now in doubt.
The Yankees injury report, as shared by Bryan Hoch on June 3, underscores the uncertainty:
- Aaron Judge: Out of lineup. Awaiting results after consulting with specialist.
- Jasson Dominguez: Live BP today, rehab assignment to begin Friday.
- Angel Chivilli: Live BP today, will throw again Saturday.
- Max Fried: Throwing at 75…
The timing could hardly be worse. With the offense already struggling to produce runs against quality pitching—half the lineup operating below average—the Yankees are essentially playing with a skeleton crew. The absences of Judge, Stanton, and Fried have placed extra pressure on the remaining roster.
While the organization is wisely exercising caution with two of its most valuable assets in Stanton and Fried, the lack of clear return windows creates a fog of uncertainty. For now, the Yankees must lean on their depth, hope for positive news on Judge, and celebrate the encouraging progress of Dominguez, who could provide a much-needed spark in the very near future.
The Bronx is holding its breath — waiting for clarity in what has become an unpredictable injury saga.
