Former major leaguer Bret Boone — and brother of Yankees manager Aaron Boone — might have the scoop on some big-time Bronx news.
The elder Boone brother revealed on the “Zach Gelb Show” that he heard “grumblings” that Yankees slugger Aaron Judge could be returning to the lineup soon.
And Boone was quick to point out that his brother was not the source of the information.
“He’s been tight-lipped on it,” Boone told Gelb. “I haven’t asked him about it, he hasn’t said anything, but I’m hearing some grumblings he’s going to be back right after the All-Star break, so we’ll see if I’m right.”
“Honest Abe, yes,” Boone continued. “Aaron Boone definitely not my source and that’s honest.”
The Yankees only can hope the news is true about Judge’s return to the team.
The Yankees have struggled since Judge went down with a “right great to sprain” on June 3 while running into a concrete ledge below the right-field fence at Dodger Stadium while making a great catch.
The Yankees have gone 14-17 in his absence, and they’ve struggled to replace the offensive firepower that he brought to the lineup.
The team has a .710 OPS, which ranks 20th in the majors, and they’ve particularly struggled against right-handed pitching with a .229/294/.402 slash line.
Judge hit 61 home runs with 131 RBIs during his American League MVP campaign last season and was following it up this year with another terrific season.
Through 49 games in 2023, Judge has 19 home runs with 40 RBIs, both of which still lead the Yankees.
The outfielder has been reluctant to put a timeline on a potential return but has said he has been doing some baseball-related activities, including playing catch, light hitting and running.
Judge had said last week that he was “feeling good” when describing his injury recovery.
The Yankees return from the All-Star break and begin the second half of the season on Friday against the Kansas City Royals.
