The brief, late-night message from the Yankees regarding superstar Aaron Judge’s condition wasn’t the worst possible news. But it very close to the worst. 

After three days of mostly hope, the best the Yankees could muster after finally getting the dreaded diagnosis was this: They do expect Judge back “at some point this season.” 

As is the case with many big-league injuries that start out as “day to day,” it turned out that month to month is more accurate. And that’s at best. Remember, he’s only “expected” to return. 

After consultation with several specialists and some regular old doctors, and three days to collect and compare notes, the Yankees announced at just after 10 p.m. that Judge has a stress fracture on the right side of his ribs, and he will be “re-imaged” in four to six weeks. After that, who knows?