Here’s the ‘great unknown’ with Yankees’ Aaron Judge’s return

Yankees manager Aaron Boone admitted a “great unknown” when it comes to the return of star right fielder Aaron Judge from his right wrist fracture before a 10-5 loss to the Twins at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn. on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 (9/11/18).

Watch video

MINNEAPOLIS — It was “another positive step” for Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge, manager Aaron Boone said.

Judge (right wrist fracture) took several rounds of batting practice for the second straight day at Target Field on Tuesday afternoon — hours before a 10-5 loss to the Twins.

He hadn’t taken outdoor batting practice before Monday since going on the disabled list July 27. He suffered the injury when a fastball hit him on the wrist.

Judge hit several long home runs during batting practice, which was thrown by catching coach Jason Brown.  

Austin talks trade shock

Boone said he expects the 26-year-old Judge to reassume his typical No. 2 spot int he lineup when he gets back, though Boone added that he doesn’t know quite when that will happen.

“We have a little bit of an idea of a timeline,” he said. “I’d rather it to continue to unfold every day. He’ll hit again tomorrow. He obviously had the off day Thursday. I think the work is pretty extensive.”

But what kind of Judge will the Yankees get when he comes back?

Will he be completely up to speed and ready to face big-league pitching?

That’s the “great unknown,” Boone said.

“Frankly, it’s the great unknown every year,” the manager said. “Forget an injury. It’s like, when does it click for a hitter? How many spring training at-bats do you need? How long into the season until you’re really locked in? There are some seasons, you walk out the door and, you walk out the door, and you’re banging right away. Other times, it takes a few. That’s the nature of hitting sometimes.

“You don’t know exactly. However many games he plays with us down the stretch that it’s enough where he gets into a really good place from a timing standpoint. One good thing is, we’ve got a really good player we’re talking about. Hopefully, whatever amount of at-bats he has are enough to get him locked in.”

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.