Aaron Judge and Key MLB Stars Near Critical September Returns as Playoff Races Heat Up

September baseball is an exercise in survival as much as talent. The teams that endure the 162-game grind are often the ones whose medical reports clear up at the right time. Right now, several contenders are watching the injured list with equal anticipation, hoping late-season reinforcements can tilt the balance of power.

The most significant name on the mend is Aaron Judge. The New York Yankees captain took on-field batting practice at Petco Park on Friday, marking his first on-field session since going down with a stress fracture in his right rib in early June.[1][2]

"You've got to check all of the boxes so that you get cleared to play," Judge told reporters following the session. "I'm mad how long it's taking. It is what it is. I wish it was real two months ago, but we're at this point, and we're getting close."[1]

Before the injury derailed his 2026 campaign, Judge was batting .248 with 17 home runs and a .907 OPS across 59 games. While the 34-year-old outfielder still needs to face live pitching before being activated, the Yankees are unofficially targeting a September 11 return against the New York Mets.[2]

Out West, the Los Angeles Dodgers are tracking the progress of 25-year-old outfielder Andy Pages. Sidelined since August 22 with a left hand fracture, Pages is expected to begin swinging a bat in the coming days.[3]

Pages had been operating as the primary center fielder before the injury forced him out. While Tommy Edman has filled the void admirably, getting Pages back adds vital depth and speed for the postseason push.[3]

Pitching staffs are also getting much-needed boosts. The Tampa Bay Rays, holding an 83-55 record and a 4.5-game lead in the American League East, welcomed back right-hander Griffin Jax.[4]

Jax was activated from the 15-day injured list after dealing with right elbow discomfort. The 31-year-old has been a versatile weapon for Tampa Bay, posting a 3.63 ERA and 100 strikeouts over 91.2 innings prior to his return. He took the mound against the Mets on Wednesday, marking a crucial step for the Rays' pitching staff.[4]

Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals are anticipating the return of top prospect James Wood, adding another young bat to their lineup as they evaluate their core for the future.[5]

Not every return goes smoothly, underscoring the high stakes of September rehabs. Toronto Blue Jays starter Jameson Taillon was activated Friday but left his start after just two innings with elbow discomfort, a stark reminder of the fragility of pitching health.[6]

As the calendar flips toward October, these injury updates are the transactions that could swing division titles. For the Yankees, the difference between an early exit and a deep run may simply come down to how Judge's rib responds to live pitching next week.