URGENT UPDATE: Following the New York Yankees’ 5-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on October 11, 2023, right fielder Aaron Judge has not ruled out offseason surgery for his injured right elbow. The 33-year-old star indicated that an evaluation will take place, stating, “We’ll definitely do some work on it.”
Judge’s elbow issues have plagued him since late July, when he suffered a flexor strain that sidelined him and interrupted what was shaping up to be another MVP-caliber season. His ability to throw was severely compromised, leading to his placement on the injured list. He returned as a designated hitter on August 5 before making a limited comeback in right field amid a tense playoff race.
Despite the elbow injury, Judge showcased remarkable performance at the plate during the postseason. He finished with a stellar .500 batting average, hitting 13-for-26 across seven playoff games, including a game-tying three-run home run against the Blue Jays in Game 3. Judge’s efforts, however, were not enough to prevent the Yankees from being eliminated in the ALDS, extending the team’s championship drought to 16 seasons.
With the Yankees’ season now over, the focus shifts to Judge’s health. When asked about the possibility of surgery, he admitted, “I’m not a doctor. I don’t know.” This uncertainty raises questions about how the Yankees will approach the offseason and whether Judge will be at full strength when the next season begins.
Judge’s arm strength had shown signs of improvement; he delivered a 90.2-mph throw during Game 1 of the ALDS, slightly above his average from the 2025 season. Nevertheless, the ongoing elbow issue remains a concern for the Yankees as they plan for the future.
As the Yankees regroup after their disappointing playoff exit, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what steps Judge and the medical staff take regarding his elbow recovery. The looming possibility of surgery could significantly impact the team’s strategy heading into the offseason.
This developing story underscores the critical need for the Yankees to assess the health of their star player as they look to break their championship drought. Stay tuned for more updates on Aaron Judge and the Yankees’ offseason plans.