The world\u2019s \u2014 or at least The Bronx\u2019s \u2014 most-watched hitting progression took another step forward Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Aaron Judge was expected to advance to taking batting practice in the indoor cage before the Yankees hosted the Astros, marking the back-to-back AL MVP\u2019s latest step toward returning to the field<\/a> from a right rib stress fracture as he continues to race against the clock.<\/p>\n There are still more boxes to check \u2014 including ones that will be more strenuous than hitting overhand throws from a coach \u2014 but it was at least an encouraging development that the first days of Judge\u2019s hitting program<\/a> have gone well so far. He began hitting off a tee last Thursday, then added underhand tosses before moving to more traditional batting practice Tuesday.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s doing well,\u201d manager Aaron Boone said.<\/p>\n Before hitting in the cage, Judge ran in right field Tuesday afternoon. That came on the heels of Monday, when he threw from over 100 feet \u2014 \u201clooks really good throwing,\u201d Boone said \u2014 and shagged in the outfield while Max Fried and Brendan Beck were throwing live batting practice.<\/p>\n \u201cJust to get the body used to being out there in the field,\u201d Boone said.<\/p>\n If and when Judge returns, the Yankees expect him to get most of his time in right field as opposed to strictly DHing. He will, of course, get the occasional DH day when needed as he reacclimates to playing every day after missing three-plus months. But with Luis Garc\u00eda Jr., Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt rotating at first base and DH depending on the matchup, the plan is for Judge to play the field.<\/p>\n Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) shagged balls in the outfield and greeted fans in the dugout before a game against the Astros on Tuesday. Robert Sabo for NY Post<\/p>\n