Aaron Judge Throws to Bases, Outfield Return Still Uncertain
UPDATE: Aaron Judge made significant strides in his recovery from a flexor strain, throwing to bases at Yankee Stadium for the first time since his injury exactly one month ago. However, the timeline for his return to the outfield remains uncertain, leaving fans and teammates anxious for clarity.
Judge, the reigning AL MVP, redirected inquiries about his return to the club’s trainers, who are currently unavailable for media questions. Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone stated he is unsure when Judge will return to his position in right field, emphasizing the importance of a cautious approach.
“The bottom line is we want to do this the right way,” Boone said before the Yankees faced off against the Boston Red Sox in a critical series finale. “As much as he wants to be out there, we have to ensure we are doing everything possible to avoid reinjury.”
Since being activated from the injured list on August 5, 2023, Judge has served as the Yankees’ designated hitter, while Giancarlo Stanton has stepped into right field for the first time in nearly two years. Stanton’s return to the position marks a significant shift, given his ongoing struggles with leg injuries, which have limited his mobility in the field.
Despite these challenges, Stanton has excelled at the plate, boasting an impressive .317 batting average, with 16 home runs and a 1.134 OPS over his last 38 games. Boone acknowledged the delicate balance the Yankees must maintain, stating, “He’s too important to us moving forward.”
The situation has created a juggling act for the team. Rushing Judge back to the outfield could risk a severe injury that might jeopardize the remainder of his season. Boone highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Judge’s potential return, noting, “I don’t know if he’ll play every day or split time when he comes back.”
Judge spoke candidly about his recovery process, comparing the soreness he experiences after throwing to the discomfort someone might feel after returning from a pulled hamstring. He is undergoing “quite a bit” of treatment to facilitate a swift return, but he continually defers specifics to the training staff.
Describing his inability to play defense as “brutal,” Judge expressed his eagerness to contribute fully to his team. “I want to be out there making plays on defense,” he stated. “I know hitting’s important, but I can impact this team on both sides.”
Despite batting just .218 with three home runs and an .804 OPS in 16 games since his activation, Judge insists his elbow has not impeded his hitting. The progress shown on Sunday—throwing baseballs from approximately 150 feet—is a positive step forward, even if he admits he is not yet throwing at full capacity.
Boone reiterated the necessity of ensuring Judge’s full recovery before returning to full game action. “It’s about making sure he’s in a position to continue to heal and not hurt himself,” Boone said. “We want to ensure he has every opportunity to come back strong while also protecting him from injury.”
As fans eagerly await further updates on Judge’s status, the Yankees are in a critical stretch of the season, with playoff implications looming. The balancing act between urgency and caution will continue to shape the Yankees’ strategy as they navigate these challenging waters.
Stay tuned for more updates on Judge’s recovery and potential return timeline as this story develops.
