SEATTLE _ Friday was another step forward for Aaron Judge in what has been a slower-than-expected recovery process from a broken right wrist.
The right fielder, on the DL since July 27, for the first time during his rehab did some hitting on the field. Watched by hitting coach Marcus Thames, as well as trainer Steve Donohue, Judge hit balls off a tee Friday afternoon at Safeco Field.
Afterward Judge hit some underhand tosses thrown by Thames who was behind a protective net, also a first in his rehab. Judge then adjourned to the outfield to shag fly balls as a handful of Yankees, including Gary Sanchez, Aaron Hicks and Didi Gregorius, who was activated from the DL earlier in the day, took early batting practice.
Judge started hitting off a tee Monday in Oakland, the start of three straight days in which the 26-year-old had a bat in his hand.
There is still no time frame for Judge to return to the lineup, but his wrist has responded well since he first starting swinging a bat Monday.
"That was a good sign, I really didn't feel too much of anything," Judge said Tuesday after taking 50 swings. "It's still broken, so there is some soreness that comes with that, but for the most part, I'm feeling great."
