Could Aaron Judge return to Yankees by end of July?

All-Star slugger Aaron Judge may be closer to returning to the New York Yankees than he suggested earlier on Friday. 

Max Goodman of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com noted Friday afternoon that "there is a legitimate scenario in which" Judge is back in the lineup by the time the Yankees enter a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at home on July 31. 

Goodman offered this information after it was learned that Judge will face rehabbing Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga in a live batting practice session on Sunday morning. The reigning American League Most Valuable Player who recently began running the bases will also increase that aspect of his recovery along with his defensive drills and batting. 

Judge hasn't played since he suffered a torn ligament in his big right toe during a win vs. the Dodgers in Los Angeles on June 3. He indicated ahead of Friday's home series opener against the Kansas City Royals that his toe won't be 100% again this season but that he's hoping to merely tolerate his discomfort. 

"It’s not going to be pain-free, but it’s as close to manageable as we can," Judge explained. 

While participating in an event related to his All Rise Foundation hours before he reported to Yankee Stadium, Judge said he was "getting close" to once again facing big-league opposition but added at that time that he only wished he'd be good to play against the New York Mets this coming Tuesday and/or Wednesday. However, Goodman mentioned that Judge may be able to utilize live sessions and simulated games to avoid a minor-league rehab assignment and feature for the Yankees sooner than thought. 

"Let’s get through this weekend," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said regarding a potential timeline for when Judge may play. 

Before Friday night, the Yankees went 15-22 during Judge's latest stint on the injured list and fell to last place in the AL East standings. At that time, they were trailing the first-place Baltimore Orioles by nine-and-a-half games in the division race and were also four games back of a wild-card spot. 

Across 49 games before his injury, Judge hit .291 with 19 home runs and 40 RBI.