NEW YORK — The New York Yankees ended their 2025 campaign in frustration Wednesday night, but new concerns quickly emerged for the team’s captain. Aaron Judge did not rule out the possibility of offseason surgery on his injured right elbow following the team’s playoff elimination.
The 33-year-old slugger addressed reporters after the Yankees’ 5-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 4 of the American League Division Series. His words hinted that a surgical procedure might be necessary.
“We’ll definitely do some work on it,” Judge said. “We’ll do some work on it and get it right.”
When asked directly about surgery, Judge remained uncertain.
“I’m not a doctor,” he replied. “I don’t know.”
Injury struck Judge during routine play
Judge’s elbow problems began on July 22 during a regular season game against Toronto. While making a throw from deep right field after a running catch in the seventh inning, he grimaced in pain. The moment would mark the start of a difficult stretch for both Judge and the Yankees.
He attempted to play through the pain at first, appearing as the designated hitter the next day. But by July 25 against the Philadelphia Phillies, the discomfort returned. Judge struggled to make throws from right field, clearly limited by the injury.
“I wasn’t able to throw the last couple of days. I wanted to take the off-day and see how it went,” Judge said at the time. “I was pretty adamant about playing. It just came down to a point where if I need to make a play for the team, I’m going to do it.”
The Yankees placed Judge on the 10-day injured list on July 27. Tests revealed a flexor strain in his right elbow, though his ulnar collateral ligament was intact. Manager Aaron Boone called the diagnosis a relief.
“No acute injury to the UCL. Overall, that’s good news,” Boone said.
Understanding the flexor strain injury
A flexor strain affects the muscles and tendons inside the elbow, attached to the bone commonly known as the funny bone. These flexor muscles are critical for wrist movement and throwing.
Baseball players often experience this injury due to repetitive stress from throwing. Over time, the strain can cause inflammation, small tears, or even a full tendon rupture. The flexor mass also helps protect the UCL, which means a weakened tendon can increase the risk of more serious damage if not treated properly.
Treatment for flexor strains depends on severity. Most players recover with rest, ice, and physical therapy. Some use platelet-rich plasma injections to accelerate healing. Surgery becomes necessary when the tendon detaches from the bone. Surgeons remove scar tissue and reattach the healthy tendon with anchors or sutures. Recovery typically lasts three to four months.
For Judge, this marked the first elbow issue of his career. His clean medical history made the injury even more concerning.
Defensive limitations for Yankees during recovery
Judge spent 10 games on the injured list, and the Yankees went 4-6 in his absence. When he returned on Aug. 5, his defensive abilities were still limited.
He served exclusively as the designated hitter for nearly a month. Throwing remained too painful, so Giancarlo Stanton took over in right field. During that stretch, Judge’s offensive production dipped. He hit .242 with six home runs and 12 RBIs across 27 games, maintaining a .415 on-base percentage despite the pain.
The slump hurt his chances for a second straight American League MVP Award. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh surged in August, briefly tightening the race. But Judge’s presence still energized the Yankees lineup. The team went 18-9 after his return, keeping their postseason hopes alive.
By early September, the Yankees cautiously reintroduced Judge to the outfield. He began splitting time between right field and designated hitter while continuing therapy.
At first, his arm strength was visibly reduced. Opponents tested him on the bases more often. But gradual improvement followed. In Game 1 of the ALDS against Toronto, Judge threw a 90.2 mph ball from right field — a return to his season average.
By Sept. 23, Judge was cleared to play the outfield full time. He started the final six regular-season games in right field and remained there for all seven postseason contests.
Offensive excellence despite injury
Despite the lingering elbow issue, Judge’s offensive performance remained elite. He captured the American League batting title with a .331 average and led all of baseball in on-base percentage (.457) and slugging percentage (.688).
He also crushed 53 home runs, marking his fourth career season with at least 50. Only three other players in history have reached that milestone four times.
Judge now ranks fourth on the Yankees’ all-time home run list, surpassing Joe DiMaggio with his 47th homer of the year. He sits at 362 career home runs, all in pinstripes.
The injury did little to slow his postseason performance. In seven playoff games, Judge hit .500 with a 1.273 OPS, going 13-for-26 with seven RBIs. His combination of power and patience made him the Yankees’ most dangerous hitter in October.
The performance strengthened his case for a second straight AL MVP Award. Judge won the honor in 2024 and appears poised to repeat, given his unmatched consistency and production.
Critical offseason decisions await
As the Yankees turn toward the offseason, Judge’s elbow remains their top concern. Any surgical procedure could affect his availability for spring training. The team will consult with medical specialists to determine the safest and most effective course of action.
Judge’s durability has been one of his defining traits. He played in 158 regular-season games this year despite the injury. His willingness to play through pain reinforced his leadership and determination, but the risk of aggravation remains.
The Yankees know they cannot afford to lose him for an extended stretch. Judge is their captain, their cornerstone, and the heartbeat of the offense. His presence in the lineup impacts every player around him.
Team doctors will soon meet with Judge to review treatment options. The decision will depend on how much structural damage remains and whether continued therapy can fully restore his throwing ability. Surgery could ensure long-term stability but would cost him part of the offseason and possibly spring games.
For now, uncertainty lingers. The offseason will reveal whether Judge’s elbow requires surgical repair or continued rest and treatment. Whatever the choice, it will shape both his future and the Yankees’ outlook for the 2026 season.
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