NEW YORK — The Yankees have less than three weeks before pitchers and catchers report to Tampa. With spring training approaching, general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone provided critical health updates on several key players Wednesday.
The news was mixed. Some Yankees players are progressing well. Others will miss significant time when the 2026 MLB season begins March 25 in San Francisco.
Yankees fans have been anxiously awaiting word on their franchise cornerstones. Here is everything we learned from the latest round of updates.
Aaron Judge’s elbow recovery exceeds Yankees expectations
The best Yankees news came regarding the team captain. Aaron Judge’s right elbow is responding beautifully to his offseason rehab program. The three-time AL MVP suffered a flexor strain in late July that limited him to designated hitter duties for most of August.
Judge returned to right field in September and played every postseason game in the outfield. But questions lingered about his long-term arm health heading into 2026.
Those Yankees concerns have been erased. According to Boone, Judge is “doing really well” as he ramps up his throwing program in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.
“Actually, because he has ramped up his throwing program a little bit more because he’s getting ready for the WBC, he’s ahead of the game more so than he even normally is from a throwing standpoint,” Boone said Wednesday during a zoom call with reporters. “I know it’s going really well for him, and he feels ready to go right away in camp.”
When asked if he had any hesitation about Judge re-injuring the elbow, Boone was emphatic.
“No, he looks great,” Boone said.
Anthony Volpe grinding through shoulder rehab
The Yankees shortstop’s situation is more complicated. Anthony Volpe underwent arthroscopic surgery in October to repair a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder. The injury dated back to early May when he attempted a diving play and landed awkwardly.
Volpe played through the ailment for the remainder of 2025. He batted just .212 with 19 home runs and committed a career-high 19 errors. Cashman admitted the shoulder issue affected his performance more than initially believed.
The 24-year-old is now rehabbing at the Yankees’ Tampa complex. Cashman said Volpe is “working his tail off” in his recovery.
“He’s doing great,” Cashman said. “His rehab is going well. He’s in good spirits and he’s looking forward to getting back and joining us when he’s 110 percent, when we can deploy him properly.”
The timeline remains challenging. Volpe cannot swing a bat for four months following surgery and cannot dive on that shoulder for six months. The Yankees previously stated they do not expect him back until after April. Jose Caballero will likely start at shortstop on Opening Day.
Gerrit Cole on track but will miss Opening Day
The Yankees ace right-hander is continuing his recovery from Tommy John surgery performed in March 2025. Cole threw approximately eight bullpen sessions late last season and has been ramping up his program this winter.
Cashman confirmed there have been “no surprises” in Cole’s rehabilitation. The 35-year-old is expected to arrive in Tampa soon. He will almost certainly start the season on the 60-day injured list.
The internal brace procedure he underwent should shorten his recovery time compared to traditional Tommy John surgery. Cole could return in May or June, giving the Yankees their Cy Young-caliber arm for the stretch run.
Carlos Rodon progressing after elbow procedure
The Yankees left-hander underwent surgery in October to remove loose bodies and shave a bone spur in his left elbow. The procedure required eight weeks of no throwing.
Cashman said Rodon’s rehab is progressing smoothly. The 33-year-old is already in Tampa working toward his return. He is expected to miss a few weeks at the start of the season but should return in late April or early May.
“There have been no surprises so far with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon’s rehabs,” the Yankees GM said. “Rodon is already in Tampa. Cole should be there soon as well.”
What this means for the rotation
The Yankees will need to navigate the first six weeks without two of their top starters. Max Fried, Luis Gil and newly acquired Ryan Weathers will anchor the rotation. Cam Schlittler and Will Warren are also in the mix.
Clarke Schmidt, who also had Tommy John surgery in July 2025, could be available in the second half of the season. That gives the Yankees significant reinforcements for a potential postseason push.
Pitchers and catchers report to George M. Steinbrenner Field on Feb. 11. The Yankees open the 2026 season on March 25 against the Giants. By then, fans will have a clearer picture of when their injured stars will return to action.
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