URGENT UPDATE: Aaron Judge has made a significant stride in his recovery from a flexor strain, throwing to bases at Yankee Stadium for the first time in a month. However, the timeline for his return to the outfield remains uncertain, creating a critical situation for the New York Yankees as they compete for playoff positioning.
Just hours before the Yankees faced off against the Boston Red Sox on August 13, Judge redirected all questions about his return to the club’s trainers, who are not available for media inquiries. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the importance of a cautious approach, stating, “The bottom line is we want to do this the right way.” The Yankees are grappling with the pressing need to balance their lineup while ensuring Judge does not face a setback that could jeopardize his season.
Since coming off the injured list on August 5, Judge has been limited to the designated hitter role. His absence from right field has forced the team to utilize Giancarlo Stanton in the outfield for the first time in nearly two years. Stanton, 35, has been productive at the plate, hitting .317 with 16 home runs over his last 38 games, but his mobility has been hampered by past injuries, raising concerns about his long-term viability in the field.
As the Yankees approach the critical stretch of the season, Boone noted, “We’ve got to make sure we want to do everything possible to put ourselves in the best position to not reinjure this.” The stakes are high, with the playoffs on the line, and Boone acknowledged the challenge of managing both sluggers in the lineup. If Judge’s return to the outfield is managed improperly, it could lead to severe consequences, including a potential season-ending injury.
Judge himself expressed frustration at not being able to contribute defensively, calling it “brutal.” In his own words, “I’m a ballplayer. I want to play both sides of the ball.” He described his current condition as similar to recovering from a pulled hamstring, emphasizing that he is undergoing “quite a bit” of treatment. While he has struggled at the plate since his return, hitting just .218 in 16 games, he insists his elbow has not impacted his hitting.
“Sunday marked a pivotal moment in Judge’s recovery journey, as he threw baseballs from 150 feet, a distance he has only recently reached in his throwing program. While he acknowledged he was not throwing at full strength, he affirmed he felt good about the progress.
Boone reiterated the need for caution, stating, “Throwing isn’t the only part of his game that makes him really good out there.” The uncertainty surrounding Judge’s return adds a layer of complexity to the Yankees’ playoff ambitions. “I don’t know at what level he’ll return,” Boone added, emphasizing that the focus is on ensuring Judge’s ongoing recovery and minimizing the risk of re-injury.
As fans await further updates, all eyes will be on Judge’s condition and the Yankees’ strategic decisions as they navigate the final stretch of the season. The situation continues to evolve, and the Yankees are determined to handle it with care.
