The New York Yankees franchise slugger might not fully recover from his elbow injury until after the season is over.

Before hitting the injured list, Judge was leading the league in batting average (.342), on-base percentage (.449), slugging (.756), and OPS (1.160) with 37 homers. His barrel rate, hard-hit rate, and exit velocity were all elite. It was MVP-level production before he injured his elbow. If he comes back healthy, it changes everything.

Aaron Judge has taken the first step back toward a possible return by next week. The Yankees slugger, who is dealing with a right elbow flexor strain, began his hitting progression on Tuesday afternoon, hitting off a tee and tosses in the indoor cage.