Yankees news: The random way Aaron Judge informed Aaron Boone he's returning

Aaron Judge surprised Yankees manager Aaron Boone by showing up at his hotel door in San Diego on Friday night, informing him he was prepared to play the following day. This unexpected news came after center fielder Trent Grisham left the game with a hamstring strain. While Boone was eager to reintroduce the three-time AL MVP to the lineup, he knew a rushed return with a fractured right rib could be risky, especially with the postseason approaching.

Instead, Boone consulted with Judge, trainer Brett McCabe, general manager Brian Cashman, and owner Hal Steinbrenner before making a decision. Judge successfully passed a series of tests, including facing live arms and playing defense, before clearing the final hurdle of batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Monday's off day. Reinstated that night, he returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies, batting third and in right field for the first time in 99 days.

This timely return is crucial, as the Yankees' offense struggled without Judge, giving opposing pitchers an advantage. Boone aims to leverage Judge's presence to enhance the performance of the other hitters around him as the season winds down.