BOSTON — Aaron Judge stepped into the batter’s box Friday night at Fenway Park as the designated hitter. The decision raised questions about the New York Yankees star’s right elbow and its condition as the playoff race heats up.
General manager Brian Cashman spoke openly about the issue. He confirmed Judge is still managing a right flexor strain that forced him to the injured list in late July. The injury continues to limit the Yankees captain’s throwing ability more than two months later.
“We gave him the time to heal, and then now, obviously, you’re doing the rehab progressions essentially live in games during a pennant race,” Cashman told reporters. “So you’re seeing the effects of that. You’re seeing a guy that’s slowly building his arm strength back and learning to trust it and then walking that tightrope of when to throw the thunderbolt and when to play it safe.”
Cashman’s comments reveal the team’s delicate approach. Judge returned on Aug. 5 but has mostly served as designated hitter since then. His gradual return to the outfield has been handled with caution.
Judge’s throwing limitations create tactical challenges
The injury first appeared on July 25 during a game against Philadelphia. Judge struggled to throw from right field, and the Yankees placed him on the 10-day injured list two days later. Tests showed no damage to his ulnar collateral ligament, avoiding potential surgery.
Still, his throwing velocity remains below his usual standard. Cashman admitted Judge has not unleashed full strength on his throws since coming back.
“You have to be smart. You have to be careful,” Cashman said while discussing Judge’s current approach to defense.
The Yankees need Judge’s bat in the lineup, but they must protect his long-term health. The team currently sits in the fourth American League wild card spot, trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by three games in the AL East.
Yankees consider position switch at Fenway Park
Manager Aaron Boone weighed a new option for Judge during the series in Boston. He considered moving him to left field, where Fenway Park’s Green Monster would shorten throwing distances and reduce elbow stress.
“Aaron Judge could play left field tomorrow at Fenway Park—shorter distance on throws, etc. Aaron Boone said that call hasn’t yet been made,” MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reported.
Such a shift would mark Judge’s first game in left field this season. The idea shows how much the injury has shaped the Yankees’ strategy.
Giancarlo Stanton has taken outfield duties when Judge acts as DH. But Stanton’s own injuries and defensive issues create added roster complications as October nears.
Surgery not expected despite ongoing concerns
Cashman reassured reporters about Aaron Judge’s long-term outlook. He does not expect surgery for the Yankees captain after the season.
“They’ll just repeat imaging at the end of the year and see where he’s at,” Cashman said. “But as of right now, there’s no surgery recommended. There’s not even an IL recommendation.”
A flexor strain impacts muscles that act as brakes for the elbow joint. Such injuries can sometimes lead to UCL damage, making the Yankees’ caution understandable.
Judge has avoided making hard throws home since his return. On others, he has reduced velocity, showing visible hesitation in plays where his strong arm usually makes a difference.
MVP candidate maintains elite offensive production
While defense has been limited, Judge continues to dominate at the plate. He currently leads the majors with a .322 batting average and holds a 1.099 OPS through 158 games.
The 33-year-old slugger remains the frontrunner for American League MVP. Projections show him ahead of Seattle’s Cal Raleigh in most advanced categories.
Judge’s offensive power has anchored the Yankees lineup. His 46 home runs and 97 RBIs have carried the team through a season marked by injuries.
He signed a nine-year, $360 million contract extension through 2031. Protecting that investment is a priority for the organization both now and in the future.
Playoff implications mount with each game
The Yankees enter the final stretch with playoff stakes high. They hold the fourth wild card position but face pressure from several AL contenders.
Each game grows more important as October approaches. Judge’s ability to play defense could impact tight postseason series where every out counts.
“You start building through those progressions over time where you get to the level of you don’t remember anymore you had an issue,” Cashman said of Judge’s recovery process.
The GM expressed confidence that Judge will regain full throwing strength. Still, his description of a “tightrope” highlighted the team’s underlying concern.
Team adapts strategy around star’s limitations
The Yankees have shifted defensive plans to fit Judge’s current condition. Boone has used him at DH often and considered outfield assignments based on ballpark factors.
Balancing Judge’s at-bats with defensive rest remains key. Stanton’s limited outfield range adds complexity to roster moves.
The Yankees know their postseason run could hinge on Judge’s arm as much as his bat. His offensive production remains elite, but championship teams often need both sides of the game from their stars.
Cashman’s words confirmed the challenge: the Yankees are pursuing October success while carefully managing their franchise cornerstone’s health. They hope the strategy delivers when it matters most.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Yankees should have brought Spencer Jones as a Sept. call up. He would add defensive help in the event Judge can’t go in the OF. I would rather have him over Dominguez or Stanton in the OF.