Aaron Judge takes another critical rehab step, Yankees return is ‘getting close’

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Aaron Judge took on-field batting practice Friday for the first time since going on the injured list, as he works to return from a stress fracture of his right rib. Vincent Carchietta / Imagn Images

SAN DIEGO — New York Yankees superstar right fielder Aaron Judge took another key step in his return to the majors by participating in on-field batting practice for the first time since he was placed on the injured list in early June.

Judge took several rounds of batting practice at Petco Park before Friday night’s game against the San Diego Padres. He didn’t view the batting practice as a major step in his return, other than saying he was following orders from the Yankees’ medical staff.

“You’ve got to check all of the boxes so that you get cleared to play,” Judge said.