ARLINGTON, Texas — The New York Yankees are gearing up for a significant boost as their star player, Aaron Judge, is expected to return to the lineup this Tuesday. Judge, who has been on the 10-day injured list due to a flexor strain in his right elbow, is eligible to come off the IL and could feature as the designated hitter in the upcoming game against the Texas Rangers.

Judge has been diligently working his way back to full fitness, hitting off minor league pitchers at the Yankees' complex in Tampa. Manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about Judge's return, stating, "I think that's the plan," during a pre-game discussion before the series opener against the Rangers.

An MRI confirmed no acute damage to Judge's ulnar collateral ligament, and he received a platelet-rich injection on July 27, the same day he was placed on the IL. Despite his absence, Judge's .342 batting average remains the best in the majors, and he ranks fourth with 37 homers and fifth with 85 RBIs.

Boone mentioned that while Judge will initially serve as the designated hitter, there are plans for him to play catch in Texas, which will help determine when he can return to his outfield position. Giancarlo Stanton, who has been the Yankees' starting DH this season, will not play the outfield in Texas if Judge takes up the DH role.

The Yankees are eager to have Judge back in the lineup, especially after being swept in a three-game series at Miami, which dropped them to third place in the AL East. Boone emphasized the importance of Judge's return, saying, "Yeah, he's Aaron Judge. We know what he means to our lineup and to the guys in the room."

As the Yankees look to regain their footing in the AL East, Judge's return could be the catalyst they need to climb back up the standings. The team will return home after the series in Texas, with hopes of a stronger performance in the remaining 50 games of the regular season.