June 5 (UPI) — New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge sustained a stress fracture of a rib on his right side and is out indefinitely, the team announced.

Judge, who experienced discomfort for several weeks, missed his first game of the season on Tuesday. He underwent an MRI that day. He later underwent a CT scan and X-ray.

The Yankees said Judge will rest and undergo more scans in 4 to 6 weeks, but is “expected to return at some point this season.”

Judge, who won three of the last four American League MVP Awards, hit .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs through his first 59 appearances this season. He hit a career- and MLB-best .331 with 53 home runs and 114 RBIs in 2025.

The Yankees went 1-2 over their last three games without Judge. Jose Caballero and Max Schuemann took over in right field in those games. They combined to go 2 for 10 with a home run, RBI, walk and two runs scored.

Caballero started Tuesday and Wednesday. Schuemann played Thursday.

“He’s the best hitter in the sport and obviously what he means to us,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Thursday. “There is a void there, but we also have really good players that can pick it up too.

“Love the way we played the game [Thursday]. You are not replacing Aaron Judge though.”

Judge typically slotted in at No. 2 or 3 in the Yankees’ batting order. Boone placed first baseman Ben Rice and designated hitter Paul Goldschmidt at the No. 2 and 3 spots the last two games, behind outfielder Trent Grisham.

The Yankees (37-25), who lost three of four games before Thursday’s win, sit in second place in the American League East, a half-game behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays (36-23).

They will host the rival Boston Red Sox (26-35), who sit in last place, at 7:05 p.m. EDT Friday in New York.