New York Yankees superstar outfielder Aaron Judge hasn't played since May 31 due to a stress fracture of his first rib on his right side. However, he took a key step toward making his return after taking on-field batting practice with the team in San Diego,

The New York Yankees kickstarted a weekend series with the San Diego Padres on Friday night.

The Yankees are understandably going to proceed with caution, but the fact that a rehab assignment may not be necessary proves he is trending in a promising direction.