BALTIMORE – The Yankees finally have their captain back.
Now comes the verdict on their season.
Aaron Judge was activated off the injured list on Friday in time for a critical series against the division-leading Orioles, with the Yankees hoping to use his return as a springboard for a playoff push.
Oswald Peraza was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.
Despite the reigning AL MVP missing nearly two months with a torn ligament in his big right toe, Judge did not go out on a rehab assignment before coming back.
Instead he played in two simulated games in Tampa on Tuesday and Wednesday, showing the Yankees he was healthy enough to rejoin the lineup that has sorely missed him.
The Yankees went 19-23 in Judge’s absence, dropping out of the playoff picture but still entering Friday within 2 ½ games of the final AL wild card spot.
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While the Yankees believe they can get a boost just from having Judge back in the fight, it remains an unknown as to how effective he will be at the plate.
Judge has said in recent weeks that he expects to be playing through some pain.
But if he can manage it without it sapping his production — he puts the bulk of his 6-foot-7, 282-pound frame on his back right foot to generate force in his swing — the Yankees will take him at whatever percentage he can give them.
At least initially, Judge is expected to split time between DH and right field.
The Yankees may be cautious with his workload early on, making sure they do not overextend Judge after he skipped a rehab assignment.
Friday will mark Judge’s first game since June 3, when he suffered the toe injury after slamming it into a concrete ledge at the base of the right field wall at Dodger Stadium while making a highlight-reel catch.
