NEW YORK There was an Aaron Judge sighting in the Yankee Stadium outfield Wednesday afternoon, and the Yankees captain wasnt just standing around.He was stretching and running.This was progress.Sidelined since June 2 with a fractured right rib, the three-time MVP was reimaged again Tuesday, and the MRI results this time showed enough healing to add outside running to his rehabbing, which still doesnt include hitting and throwing.The minute they said, Were going to start running, I said, OK, Ill meet you outside, Judge said before the Yankees-Cardinals series finale.Judge still has no timetable on when he might be ready to come off the injured list, but like in past interviews, he once again declared that his season isnt over.Oh, Ill be back this season, Judge said. I dont know why I wouldnt. That was always the plan to come back, sooner than later definitely. I never had a thought of not playing this year.Best case, Judge probably wont be back until sometime in September because when hes cleared to start hitting and throwing, hell be further behind than if this was the start of spring training. Ive got nothing for you on that, Judge said. Whenever we get a game plan, you guys will be somewhere on the list and Ill let you guys know. Not the top!So far, Judge has only been cleared for light activity, manager Aaron Boone said.With that, its getting outside and doing some running and some resistance stuff in the weight room, Boone added. And then its as he tolerates that, hell start moving into baseball activities at some point.It wont be a quick return to games when Judge starts hitting and throwing because his layoff from baseball activities is coming up on three months. When Judge starts a six-week spring training every year, hes usually already been hitting for more than a month.After Thursdays off day, the Yankees will be down to 47 regular-season games plus the playoffs.Because hes got to introduce things physically, the trainers will map out on the calendar kind of working backwards where you get to that point (of playing), Boone said. We should have time to do that.Judge has been impatient waiting for his rib to heal, but hes been told again and again the risks of coming back too soon.I think he understands whats at stake and his importance to this club and wanting to get back out there, but hes got to be whole, too, Boone said. I think he certainly wants to push the envelope as much as he possibly can, but also understands that healing needs to happen with this.His rib still isnt fully healed, but its getting there.Were at that portion of the show now where he gets to start progressing, Boone said.Some time this month, Judge get another MRI. If hes completely healed, hell be cleared to hit.Thats when Judge figures hell get a gauge on how long itll take to get back to playing.I think thats going to be the ultimate test, Judge said. Thats the most violent of it all, more than running or lifting and stuff like that.So, yeah, keep progressing. Everythings feeling great. Take another scan, see where its at. Hopefully adding hitting, throwing, all that down the road.Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.