San Diego, CA – September 6: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees looks on before a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park at Petco Park on September 6, 2026 in San Diego, CA. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images
The New York Yankees received a significant lift to their playoff aspirations with the return of star slugger Aaron Judge from the injured list, though the three-time American League MVP continues working his way back into peak form.
Judge has been progressively increasing his activity following a three-month absence due to a fractured rib, with his presence remaining pivotal to the Yankees’ postseason ambitions.
“Aaron Judge returned to the lineup Saturday for a second consecutive game after missing the final game of the Rockies series Thursday, as the Yankees carefully manage their premier player back into form,” Dan Martin reported for the New York Post. “Judge, who played right field during Friday’s victory over the Mets in the Bronx, served as the designated hitter on Saturday and went 0-for-4 in a 12-2 defeat to their crosstown rivals.”
While Judge’s individual MVP credentials consistently draw attention, the Yankees captain recently offered a measured perspective on the award prospects of a teammates who excelled during his absence.
New York Yankees’ 3-Time MVP Aaron Judge Suggests Cam Schlittler Falls Short Of MVP
Rising Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler has emerged as a cornerstone of the rotation amid injuries to several veteran starters and Judge’s prolonged absence.
“Schlittler possesses both compelling statistics and a compelling narrative for MVP consideration,” wrote Mike Axisa of CBS Sports. “He has been the anchor of New York’s rotation while Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodon all dealt with injuries. With Aaron Judge sidelined for three months due to a broken rib, the added responsibility fell on Schlittler and the rest of the pitching staff, and he rose to the occasion.”
This consistent performance has fueled broader conversations about Schlittler’s potential for MVP recognition, despite the historical challenge pitchers face in capturing the award.
The most recent pitcher to win MVP honors was Clayton Kershaw in 2014, when he also secured the National League Cy Young Award. In the American League, Justin Verlander was the last pitcher to claim MVP, achieving the feat in 2011 alongside his Cy Young triumph.
Judge, however, believes Schlittler’s strongest avenue for accolades lies specifically with pitching awards, implying that an MVP nomination may be a stretch.
“They instituted the Cy Young Award for exactly this reason — to recognize the best pitcher,” Judge stated regarding Schlittler’s MVP aspirations, as reported by The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner. “He has my full support and vote for the Cy Young.”
New York Yankees’ Cam Schlittler Leads Rotation Into Playoffs
The Yankees have improved to 86-63 with their recent win, positioning themselves within striking distance of the Tampa Bay Rays for the AL East lead while maintaining a comfortable advantage over the Boston Red Sox for the top wild-card spot.
As the Yankees eye a postseason berth, Judge firmly believes Schlittler should be considered the leading candidate for the Cy Young Award, even if he stops short of MVP recognition.
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