The New York Yankees may not see Aaron Judge at full strength again this season.
The captain is still working back from a right flexor strain that sent him to the injured list in late July, and manager Aaron Boone admitted Tuesday that Judge’s throwing arm could remain limited. For now, he will [stay at designated hitter](https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-judge-throwing-likely-impacted-for-rest-of-2025) while Giancarlo Stanton covers right field against Tampa Bay.
“I don’t think we’re going to see him back to throwing like he normally does at any point this year,” Boone said, as transcribed by Brian Hoch of MLB.com, emphasizing that Judge’s health comes first.
The issue first surfaced on July 22 in Toronto when Judge grimaced after a throw from the outfield. Though he played that game and the next two, he was placed on the IL on July 27. Imaging ruled out ligament damage, and he returned as DH on Aug. 5. Since then, he has eight hits in 35 at-bats, including two home runs.
Stanton’s role in the outfield has been closely managed. After playing three straight games in right field against Minnesota, he was limited to a pinch-hit appearance in St. Louis due to lingering soreness. Boone said his workload will be monitored through the Rays series in hopes he is ready to face Boston.
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While the reigning AL MVP has begun throwing from 150 feet, Boone has not set a firm timetable for Judge’s defensive return.
“I’m waiting on the trainers to say, ‘Yeah, thumbs up,’” he said, according to Hoch.
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The Yankees also plan to activate outfielder Amed Rosario while optioning catcher J.C. Escarra to Triple-A. With the wild-card race tightening, Judge’s limited role looms as a major factor in New York’s postseason push.
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Featured image via Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports Images