Aaron Judge’s return is what the New York Yankees need

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is no longer on the disabled list and has been activated. His return couldn’t have come at a better time.

The New York Yankees activated right fielder Aaron Judge on Friday. However, Judge won’t be used as a hitter and will only be available as a baserunner and on defense when needed.

Aaron Judge hasn’t played since he suffered a chip fracture in his right wrist on July 26. He has participated in batting practice this week and will continue to do so over the weekend.

The question now is when will Judge return to the lineup?

Manager Aaron Boone told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com:

"“We feel like with the roster expansion, it makes some sense to have him available if there’s a spot where we can get him in to run the bases or play some defense. He’s certainly ready to do that.I don’t want to speculate too much, but we’re probably a couple of days away from making a decision about exactly what we’re going to do about trying to get him some simulated at-bats and whatnot. As we get closer to that and as that becomes definitive, we’ll let you know.”"

Even though he’s not back in the lineup yet, Judge’s return is what the Yankees need.

Without Judge, the Yankees were 26-19 and saw the Oakland Athletics turn the Wild Card deficit to just 1.5 games entering Friday.

They are now 10.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East. In their last 16 games the Yankees are 7-9.

The Yankees have been struggling offensive since Judge has been out. Gary Sanchez is 6-for-35 with two home runs since coming of the DL, Giancarlo Stanton is 8-for-71 with one home run since August 23, and Aaron Hicks is 5-for 33 this month.

Having Judge back means the Yankees should start turning things around which they need to do.

Boone told Erik Boland of Newsday: “We expect more and we have to get it rolling.”

Judge should help get things rolling for the Yankees when he returns to the lineup. He’s hitting .285 with 26 home runs and 61 RBIs and leads the team in home runs and RBIs.

While the Yankees have the team and talent to make it to the World Series and win it, right now with the way they are playing, they won’t make it far in the playoffs.

With Judge being back, the Yanks can turn things around and possibly win the World Series.

However, Judge will have to perform like he has all season in order for that to happen, otherwise the Yankees playoff time will be short.

Getting Judge back is what the Yankees need to make sure they’re still playing in October.