The New York Yankees may finally have some good news. Aaron Judge could be set to return. And while the news may have been long awaited, it is a positive sign for the AL East team battling for a Wild Card spot. The New York Yankees will want to see their star hitter back in the lineup as soon as possible. And wishes may just be granted.

On the back of several positive reports in the week, Judge was working his way up to full-game fitness. And with the star returning, the Yankees will look for a turn in their faltering fortunes up the AL East.

The Potential Return of the Heart and Soul of the Ball Club

Judge has been on the IL since early June when the star suffered a toe injury in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the Yankees had a positive record before his injury, they have been performing less than ideal since. However, the situation has finally taken a turn with the news of the earliest return of Judge to the field.

According to the MLB Network, the Yankees’ star slugger could be set for a return from his injury as soon as Friday. 

The Yankees were 11 games above .500 with Aaron Judge. However, since his injury in June, they have been 5 games below .500. And with the Yankees 2.5 games out of a Wild Card Spot in the incredibly competitive AL East, Judge’s return could harken at a turn in their fortunes.

Said one analyst, “Your best players just have this intolerance for anything that can get in the way of winning. He’s just that guy.”

Aaron Judge’s presence in the lineup is not only a positive for the Yankees’ offensive contribution but also for his presence around the dugout. “He’s a great leader of the team. You don’t see many guys like him in our game anymore and he’s the heart and soul of that ball-club,” he continued.

Read More: “We’re So Back” – Fans Hope Soar as $360,000,000 Aaron Judge’s Return Sparks Dreams of Climbing the Table

The 2023 Home Run Leader will undoubtably be a huge boost for the Yankees morale as they begin their run down the home stretch of games to push for the post-season.

Will Aaron Judge’s Return Affect Trade Deadline Targets?

Aaron Judge has missed games since early June and still he remains one of the league’s most productive players on offense with having 19 home runs to his name. The Yankees trade deadline strategy will certainly see a change with his return. With a robust defense in place, the bullpen can still see some improvements.

Even in other positions, experts surmised they may need some position help in the offense. Said one analyst, “They need a left fielder and they need a catcher…Those are the two really dominant needs that I’m sure Brian will be focussing on and figure out how we can acquire.”

The hope for the Yankees will certainly be that the star can start performing as soon as possible. But what do you think? Is Judge’s return well timed or do you think he will need some time to get back to his best?

Watch this Story: Yankees GM’s Sneaky Move – How it Pinned Aaron Boone and Shocked Fans Years Ago