Yankees GM Brian Cashman 'optimistic' that Aaron Judge returns this season, but acknowledges that he might not

New Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Monday that he’s optimistic that Aaron Judge will return to baseball this season but acknowledged the chance that he might not.

Cashman discussed Judge while speaking with reporters at the conclusion of Monday’s MLB trade deadline.

Judge has been sidelined with a stress fracture in his upper right rib since June 1. Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Sunday that Judge is “doing well,” but remained without a timeline to undergo further imaging on his injured rib.

Cashman elaborated on Judge’s outlook Monday when asked about concern that Judge wouldn’t play again this season.

“I think that question is a fair question on anybody’s side,” Cashman said per SNY audio. “Like is that possible? It’s always possible that things don’t go the way you want. But we currently are still very optimistic that he’s gonna return.”

Cashman cited an initial timeline that suggested that Judge would return this season for his optimism.

“And that’s what I’m hoping and holding on to, and I know that’s what he believes, and I know that’s what the doctors believe,” Cashman continued. “But it’s always a moving target, too.”

He concluded that that next set of imaging will paint a clearer picture of Judge’s actual timeline to return.

“So whenever we reimage, we’ll get a better idea.”

When that imaging will take place is unclear.

The Yankees have remained competitive despite the absence of their three-time MVP slugger for more than two months. A 13-7 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals Monday dropped them to 63-50, good enough to remain in control of the AL’s top wild-card spot.

The Yankees were active at the trade deadline, most notably in acquiring slugging first baseman Luis García Jr. from the Washington Nationals. García hit his 24th home run of the season Monday night in his Yankees debut.

This is a team that projects to make the postseason with or without Judge. But they’ll be much more formidable once they get there if Judge is in the lineup.