Aaron Judge, out since May 31, activated by New York Yankees - ESPN

The captain is back. And with it the New York Yankees' status as American League favorites.

Three-time AL MVP Aaron Judge was activated from the injured list Monday night, paving the way for his return against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday after sitting out more than three months because of a fractured rib.

The 34-year-old, who broke his first right rib making a diving catch in late April, tried to play through the injury but was shut down May 31. Though the Yankees have gone 45-39 in his absence and maintained a firm hold on the AL's top wild-card playoff spot, they're hopeful Judge's return will revitalize an offense that ranks 26th in runs scored since he was put on the injured list.

Judge's return comes after a live batting-practice session Monday at Yankee Stadium. He had told reporters he hoped to take live BP «a couple of times» before his activation, but Monday's results were sufficient for the team to bring him back to the big leagues without a rehabilitation assignment.

His first at-bat will come against Colorado right-hander Gabriel Hughes, who is 0-6 with a 6.19 ERA this season, as the Yankees begin a homestand against the Rockies and Mets during which they hope to gain ground on the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, who hold a four-game advantage over New York.

The most prolific hitter of the 2020s, Judge has been the heart of the Yankees as he won AL MVP three of the past four years and set the league record with 62 home runs in 2022. Though injuries have hampered him in the past, none has sidelined Judge for as long as the stress fracture that at points left the Yankees wondering whether he would return at all this season.

Signs of optimism emerged in mid-August, when Judge was cleared for baseball