UPDATE: In a significant step forward for the New York Yankees, Aaron Judge threw to bases at Yankee Stadium for the first time since suffering a flexor strain in his right arm one month ago. However, the timeline for his return to the outfield remains uncertain, creating a tense situation for the team and its fans.
As the Yankees prepare to face the Boston Red Sox in the series finale today, Judge redirected inquiries about his recovery timeline to the team’s trainers, who are not available for media questions. Yankees manager Aaron Boone admitted he is unsure when Judge will be able to play right field again, emphasizing the importance of a cautious approach.
“The bottom line is we want to do this the right way,” Boone stated. “As much as he wants to be out there and we want him out there, we’ve got to make sure we do everything possible to put ourselves in the best position to not reinjure this.”
Since being activated from the injured list on August 5, Judge has served as the Yankees’ designated hitter. This has forced the Yankees to position Giancarlo Stanton in right field for the first time in nearly two years, a move that raises concerns given Stanton’s ongoing struggles with leg injuries. He last played right field on August 9, marking his first start in that position since September 2021.
While Stanton has been productive, boasting a batting average of .317 with 16 home runs and a 1.134 OPS over his last 38 games, Boone acknowledges the challenges. “He’s too important to us moving forward,” Boone said. “We have to play the long game.”
The Yankees are in a precarious position as they balance the need for both sluggers in the lineup against the risk of further injury to Judge. If Judge returns to the outfield, Boone indicated it is unclear whether he would play every day or share time with Stanton and others.
Judge expressed his eagerness to return to full duty, stating, “I’m a ballplayer. I want to play both sides of the ball and go out there, making plays on defense, helping my team out.” He described the recovery process as challenging, noting the soreness he experiences after throwing feels akin to the discomfort of running after a pulled hamstring.
Despite struggling at the plate with a batting average of just .218 and three home runs in 16 games since his return, Judge insists that the injury has not impacted his hitting. Today’s throwing session marked an important milestone, as he threw from about 150 feet, though he admitted he wasn’t throwing at full strength.
Boone reiterated the cautious approach, stating, “It’s more about trying to make sure he’s in a position to continue to heal and not hurt himself.” With the playoffs on the horizon, the Yankees are fully aware that rushing Judge back could jeopardize their season.
As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for any updates on Judge’s recovery and the Yankees’ playoff prospects. The stakes are high, and every decision will be critical as the team navigates this urgent phase of the season.