Aaron Judge's Yankee Comeback: Outfield Return, MVP Race, and ALL RISE Charity Auction

Aaron Judge BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Aaron Judge has leapt straight back into the spotlight this week, making his much-anticipated return to right field for the New York Yankees after a month and a half acting exclusively as the designated hitter following a flexor strain in his right arm. ESPN reports that Friday’s game against the Blue Jays was his first defensive appearance since July, and Judge wasted no time reigniting speculation and scrutiny around his throwing strength. On the field, Judge took a more conservative approach in the opening inning, choosing to hit his cutoff man on a shallow single rather than gunning for a play at the plate—a decision that prompted a flurry of questions from the media. When pressed, Judge explained to the YES Network and Heavy Sports that he simply “wanted to get the ball in to Jazz Chisolm Jr.” and felt it best in the moment, firmly stating he would not be back in the outfield unless he was ready physically.

Patrolling right field marks a notable pivot for both Judge and the Yankees, as Aaron Boone’s lineup can now slide Giancarlo Stanton back into a full-time DH role. Judge’s bat remains electric—he sits at .322, 43 home runs, and 97 RBIs over 130 games so far, putting him firmly in AL MVP conversations for the third time in his storied career, as highlighted by MLB.com analysts and CBS Sports, who rank him among the most pivotal players in the AL East division chase.

Off the diamond, Judge's impact is equally headline-worthy. His signature charity, the ALL RISE Foundation, is currently running its second annual 9/9 for 99 online auction, collaborating with the YES Network. This initiative, running through September 9, gives fans the chance to bid on everything from unique Yankees experiences and vacations to personal meet-and-greet opportunities with Judge himself. Escalon Times notes the foundation has funneled hundreds of thousands into youth leadership development and academic excellence initiatives nationwide, with Patty Judge—Aaron’s mom and foundation president—highlighting longtime YES Network advisor John J. Filippelli as instrumental in the foundation’s business growth.

Judge’s return, naturally, echoed across social media, amplified by the YES Network’s feeds with clips and postgame interviews. In response to fan excitement over his outfield comeback, Judge graciously credited Yankees fans as the best, recognizing their knowledge and warmth during his return introductions.

While there’s always buzz in the Bronx about lingering injury concerns, Judge continues to brush off doubts, focusing instead on minimizing mistakes and maximizing performance for the team’s September push. Away from the public eye, Judge and wife Samantha Bracksieck, who welcomed their first child in January, are enjoying family life, per AOL’s recent feature. All told, Judge’s week brings a blend of comeback, charity, and character—biographically significant moves for a sports icon still at the top of both his game and his influence.

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