Yankees' Aaron Judge Injury: What Fans Should Know About His Recovery

Aaron Judge's shoulder trouble might keep him off the field longer than expected. The star player had dealt with right shoulder pain for about two weeks before it flared up during a recent road trip. Doctors now say a bone bruise in his upper rib could sideline him for multiple weeks, if not longer. This isn't just a minor ache - the injury affects his swing and bat speed, which explains his recent slump at the plate. Over his last 22 games, he struggled mightily, hitting just . 207 with only six extra-base hits.The team is crossing its fingers it's nothing serious. Manager Aaron Boone called Judge's status "day-to-day" but admitted it could drag on. The real concern isn't just the bone bruise itself - it's the possible cartilage damage nearby. That area heals slowly because it doesn't get good blood flow. Some experts think it could take just a couple weeks to heal, while others warn it might need two months if it's a stress fracture. Judge's absence hurts more than just his hitting. The Yankees rely heavily on him, and their outfield depth is already thin. Max Fried is also out with an elbow injury, and Jasson Domínguez is still working his way back from a shoulder sprain. With so many injuries piling up, the team's offense might take a hit without their star slugger in the lineup.