Yankees OF Judge lineup-ready, Chapman getting close

Aaron Judge, activated from the disabled list Friday, is almost ready to return to the starting lineup for the New York Yankees.

Not far behind is closer Aroldis Chapman, who remains on the DL with left knee tendinitis.

The judge was activated Friday and available for the first time since he was hit by a pitch July 26 and suffered a chip fracture of the wrist.

Manager Aaron Boone said Judge will likely get his first start in nearly two months this week against the Boston Red Sox.

The final test could come Monday or Tuesday, Boone said when Judge transitions from a high-velocity pitching machine to a few live batting practice sessions against Chapman.

Judge played two innings in right field on Friday. He said he's pain-free when swinging but other baseball movements are not as easy.