Yankees Activate Aaron Judge from Injured List vs Rangers

Aaron Judge is set to return to the New York Yankees lineup on Tuesday after a nearly two-week absence due to a right elbow flexor strain. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Judge's activation from the injured list, with the slugger expected to initially serve as a designated hitter while easing back into play. Judge’s return is crucial as the Yankees have struggled significantly without him, suffering four consecutive losses and falling to third place in the AL East. The team has gone 18-28 since mid-June, experiencing a notable decline after starting the season strong. Meanwhile, the Yankees also face challenges with outfielder Austin Slater recently placed on the injured list, which further complicates the lineup as the team seeks to stabilize. Judge’s presence, leading the majors with a .342 batting average and 37 home runs, is seen as a vital spark to potentially reverse the Yankees’ downward spiral.