BREAKING: Aaron Judge made significant strides in his recovery from a flexor strain in his right arm, throwing to bases at Yankee Stadium today for the first time since his injury on August 5, 2023. However, the timeline for his return to right field remains uncertain, leaving fans and teammates anxiously awaiting further updates.
During a pre-game press conference, Judge redirected questions about his return timeline to the Yankees’ training staff, who are not available for media inquiries. Manager Aaron Boone echoed this uncertainty, stating, “The bottom line is we want to do this the right way.” With the Yankees facing the Boston Red Sox in today’s series finale, Boone emphasized the need for caution to avoid a potential re-injury.
Since returning from the injured list, Judge has primarily served as the Yankees’ designated hitter due to his arm injury. This situation has forced the Yankees to deploy Giancarlo Stanton in right field for the first time in nearly two years, a move that raises concerns given Stanton’s history of leg injuries. Stanton, now 35, began playing right field on August 9, 2023, marking his first game at the position since September 2023.
Despite his limitations, Stanton has been a powerhouse at the plate, batting .317 with 16 home runs and a staggering 1.134 OPS over the last 38 games. “We’ve got to be mindful of it,” Boone stated regarding Stanton’s health, highlighting the delicate balance the team must strike between competing now and ensuring long-term player health.
Judge expressed his eagerness to return to the field, noting the frustration of not being able to play defense. “I’m a ballplayer. I want to play both sides of the ball and help my team out,” he said. He described the soreness he experiences after throwing as akin to the discomfort felt after returning from a pulled hamstring.
While his batting average has dropped to .218 with three home runs since returning, Judge insists the elbow injury has not impacted his hitting. Today’s session saw him throw baseballs from a distance of about 150 feet, signaling progress in his rehabilitation. Although he confirmed he was not throwing at full strength, he felt encouraged by the session.
Boone also acknowledged the importance of Judge’s recovery, stating, “It’s more about trying to make sure he’s in a position to continue to heal and not hurt himself.” The Yankees are committed to ensuring that Judge is fully prepared for his return, balancing immediate competitiveness against the risk of aggravating his injury.
As fans eagerly await news on Judge’s potential return to the outfield, the Yankees face critical games ahead. The team’s current strategy hinges on both Judge and Stanton being productive while managing their health—an ongoing challenge as the playoff race intensifies.
Stay tuned for more updates on Judge’s recovery and the Yankees’ performance as they strive for postseason contention.
