{
  "id": 7991357,
  "title": "Yankees news: Aaron Judge expects to be back soon after leg stiffness",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/yankees-news-aaron-judge-expects-to-be-back-soon-after-leg-stiffness",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/yankees-news-aaron-judge-expects-090000439.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Minneapolis, Minnesota - Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees is expected to return soon after experiencing leg stiffness during yesterday's game. The Yankees revealed the cause as \"lower leg tightness\" during the midgame, a statement Judge himself deemed as a precautionary measure. Judge downplayed the severity of his injury, noting that it's a common occurrence as players adjust back into playing shape.\n\nClarke Schmidt returned from the 60-day injured list, making his first MLB appearance since July 3, 2025, despite facing challenges during his debut. Oswaldo Cabrera, the fan favorite who spent most of the year at Triple-A, was pushed off the roster to accommodate Schmidt. Cabrera's tenure with the Yankees appears limited due to a previous ankle injury.\n\nSpencer Jones has been a standout performer for the Yankees this year, excelling across the outfield. He credits Cody Bellinger's experience for his development, often seeking advice during games. Ryan Weathers also cleared a significant milestone in his rehab, throwing 15 pitches in a bullpen session. If his progress continues, Weathers could potentially return before the end of the regular season, adding valuable relief pitching to the Yankees' bullpen.",
  "summary": "Judge exits game, isn’t worried; Cabrera DFA’d for Schmidt; Jones leaning on Bellinger; Weathers eyeing regular season return",
  "key_points": [
    "Aaron Judge to return soon after leg stiffness",
    "Clarke Schmidt makes MLB debut after 60-day rehab",
    "Spencer Jones excels in outfield, seeks Cody Bellinger's advice"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}