Camera operators flocked to the outskirts of the Yankees dugout steps, forming two parallel lines that allowed enough space for the main attraction to squeeze between them. They trained their devices on the tunnel below and waited, the only thing missing was a red carpet. 

And then the celebrity that is Aaron Judge, attempting to repress a grin, jogged up the steps, darted through the flashes and made his way to the batting cage to a few cheers from the handful of fans already in the Stadium several hours before Tuesday’s game in The Bronx. Manager Aaron Boone did not bother suppressing his emotions, wearing a wide smile as he watched his captain take seemingly routine batting practice. 

It was not normal, of course, because the scene had not been seen since May. But exactly 100 days after he played his last game, Judge returned to the Yankees and brought their World Series hopes with him. 

Officially activated a day earlier, Judge played right field and batted third as the Yankees opened a series with the Rockies, the start of a 19-game sprint to the end of the regular season for the club and more of a speed walk, then jog, then sprint for No. 99. 

Judge did not quite return as Aaron Judge. After an expedited rehab process that did not include a trip to the minor leagues — he only took live at-bats against a couple of minor leaguers Monday, which became the last box he had to check — he is set to build up his body on the fly in the major leagues. 

That meant he was not expected to play the entirety of Tuesday’s game “even though he wants to,” Boone said. That means Judge likely will not play all three of the games against Colorado. That means Judge probably will not be diving in the outfield, at least until the postseason. 

“We’ll adjust each night [from] what we see,” Boone said, “and want to build him up smartly.” 

Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) takes batting practice before facing the Rockies on Sept. 8, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post

So there was reason for player and team to be cautious, with still plenty of unknowns regarding how effective Judge can be immediately and how long it will take for him to be seen as an everyday force in the lineup and outfield. 

But there also was reason for player and team to celebrate. Judge had not played a game since May 31, and a club with World Series expectations and aspirations did whatever it could to just tread water without him, finishing 45-39 without a slugger Boone called “the best hitter in the world.” 

The feeling around the clubhouse, according to the manager, was different Tuesday than it had been for the past three months. 

“I think it’s real,” Boone said of the Judge effect. “His presence is very real and obviously you know what he means to those guys — not only as a player, but as a person in that room, as a captain. So I think everyone’s excited, obviously, that he’s back. 

Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) takes batting practice. Robert Sabo for NY Post

“It’s been a long time coming, and I know he’s been champing at the bit here these last few days.” 

His teammates, too. Judge’s presence in the lineup affects how others are pitched. The batters in front of him — on Tuesday that meant leadoff hitter Ben Rice and No. 2 hitter Cody Bellinger — might see more strikes (and hittable pitches) given that opponents will not want to pitch to Judge with runners on base. 

Judge will spend at least most of his time in right, Boone said, which preserves the DH for Rice or Luis García Jr., who was protecting Judge in the lineup for the first time as cleanup hitter. Spencer Jones moved over to center without Trent Grisham and joined Judge in the outfield, which is where he will look the most different. 

He hurt his rib diving, a play that probably won’t be seen again at least during this regular season. 

“I’d like him to be cautious with that stuff, and he will,” Boone said of Judge, who the manager said is asymptomatic. “… He is aware of those things — probably even more hyperaware of it now, obviously — but the one thing when watching him move out there is I feel like he’s moving really well.” 

His legs are not expected to be an issue. But after a prolonged break, the majority of which he could not even work out because of a rib injury that required rest to heal, there will be questions about how soon Judge can be Judge. 

Regardless, the Yankees were thrilled to receive this version of one of the game’s superstars. 

“Off we go,” Boone said. “Obviously, excited to have our captain back.”