Aaron Judge’s expected return forces the Yankees to release outfielder Willie Calhoun, with the New York captain ‘set to face Orioles TONIGHT’

Aaron Judge’s imminent return for the Yankees has come at the expense of another player, as the team released outfielder Willie Calhoun.

Calhoun, who hit .239 for the Yankees this season in 44 games, was designated for assignment on Friday with Judge expected to reprise his spot in the lineup tonight vs. the Orioles.

Judge has been on the injured list since June 4 with a torn toe ligament, and the Yankees needed to open up a roster spot for his return.

The New York Post previously reported that Judge was eyeing a return against the Mets earlier this week, with manager Aaron Boone opting for a bit more patience and deciding on Friday.

Calhoun was on the 10-day injured list himself with a quad strain, but won’t be returning to the Yankees following his recovery.

Aaron Judge will reportedly return to MLB action on Friday after nearly two months out

Judge’s return means that the Yankees released Willie Calhoun to clear up roster space

The 31-year-old hurt his right big toe when trying to make a catch vs. the LA Dodgers on June 3

The 28-year-old began the season in Triple-A but was called up in April.

Judge has been out of the Yankees’ lineup since banging his toe into the lower wall at Dodger Stadium on June 3. 

And the Yankees have struggled without him.

New York has gone 19-23 with Judge out, and has fallen to last place in a competitive AL East with a 54-48 record.

However, with the Yankees just 2.5 games back of the last wild card spot – with 60 games remaining – they’ll hope that Judge can help get them back in playoff position.