Aaron Judge cleared for light activity after rib injury

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge has been cleared to begin light baseball activity, marking a significant step in his recovery from a broken rib that has sidelined him since May 31. The three-time American League MVP was on the field at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, stretching, jogging, and performing slide drills, after receiving medical clearance following a scan the previous day. Judge stated he expects to return to play this season.

The news offers a positive development for a Yankees team that has struggled with significant offensive injuries. Judge, 34, was batting .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBI through 59 games before the injury, and his absence has been a major blow. The team did not make a major acquisition before the recent trade deadline but added first baseman Luis García Jr. and outfielder Heliot Ramos to address depth issues, with outfielders Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton also injured. The club also hopes a boost will come from calling up top prospect George Lombard Jr.

Despite the progress, both Judge and manager Aaron Boone declined to provide a target date for his return to the lineup. The slugger must still advance to taking full batting practice, a...