Judge will not need offseason surgery on right big toe

ATLANTA -- Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed Tuesday that Aaron Judge won’t need offseason surgery on his right big toe.

“I don't think surgery is in the plans,” Boone said. “We're not at the offseason yet, but he's doing pretty well. The fact that he's been able to play a good amount of games in the field, I think it's a testament to that. And then just even seeing him move around the bases a little bit, I feel like I've noticed a fairly steady improvement in that area.”

The reigning American League MVP tore the ligament in his right big toe when he crashed into the right-field bullpen gate at Dodger Stadium on June 3. He returned on July 28 against Baltimore.

Before the injury, Judge slashed .291/.404/.674 with 19 home runs and 40 RBIs through 49 games. When he went to the IL, New York sat at 35-25 -- six games back in the AL East. However, the team went 19-23 (the fourth-worst record in the AL over that span) while the slugger was out.

Since returning, Judge has a .260/.456/.460 slash line with three homers and five RBIs through 16 games (15 starts) entering Tuesday.

“I think he's done great,” Boone said. “He's not 100%, but I feel like he's moving around. That's gotten better since the first day, and that's kind of steadily improved. Whether he gets all the way back to 100% this year or not, I'm not sure about that.

“But I do feel like he's able to move out there properly, save and protect himself. I feel like he's had really consistent at-bats for us. He's just probably not able to be at that peak physical level.”

Entering Tuesday, Judge has played six games at right field and nine at designated hitter since his return. His performance will be crucial for a Yanks team that’s “in it to win it,” per general manager Brian Cashman.

The Yankees will try to rack up wins to nab the final AL Wild Card spot while dealing with an injury-riddled rotation (Nestor Cortes and Carlos Rodón remain on the injured list) and an offense that has been inconsistent in scoring runs lately. Judge’s presence should aid in that effort.

“Obviously, it's been a tough year for us on a lot of fronts,” Boone said. “[Judge’s] consistency about who he is is special -- in the way he goes about his business, I think the pride he takes and being the captain of this team now. So I do think his leadership has grown, and I've seen a steady growth ever since I've gotten here in how he's led [and] in getting a stronger and more focused voice in how he deals with guys.

“But I think the biggest thing is his ability to connect with everyone on the roster. [It] makes him very approachable, but also allows him to have the ability to say what he needs to say to guys because he has a relationship. That's something that's always been a strong suit.”