Aaron Judge right elbow update: Bad news for Yankees

In a season packed with highs and lows for the New York Yankees, the latest news on Aaron Judge’s health is a bit of a mixed bag. He’s back in the batting lineup, still cranking out power at the plate, but his role’s got some clear limits.

Manager Aaron Boone says Judge won’t return to the outfield anytime soon — maybe not even at all this year. That right elbow flexor strain just keeps hanging around. The Yankees are stuck juggling two priorities: keeping Judge’s bat in the game and not risking his long-term health.

Aaron Judge’s Injury Timeline and Current Status

Judge landed on the injured list last month after hurting his throwing arm. The flexor strain doesn’t mess with his swing much, but it really limits his ability to throw — which is obviously a big deal for a right fielder.

From Outfield Anchor to DH Role

Since coming back on August 5, Judge has only played as the designated hitter to avoid putting stress on his elbow. In 11 games since then, he’s hitting .229 with a double, two homers, and six RBIs.

Those numbers aren’t exactly peak Judge, but just having him in the lineup changes how pitchers approach the Yankees.

Why the Yankees Are Avoiding Risks

Boone’s been upfront: he doesn’t see Judge getting his full throwing strength back this season. The team wants to make sure Judge stays safe and doesn’t make things worse.

Rushing him back into the field isn’t worth the risk — not for the rest of this year, and definitely not with 2025 in mind.

The Impact on Team Strategy

Without Judge in right field, the Yankees have sometimes used Giancarlo Stanton out there. That’s not ideal, considering Stanton’s own injury history and limited mobility.

The team has to pick between keeping the bats hot or having a steadier outfield defense — and it’s not an easy call.

The Numbers Behind the Decision

Judge’s stats since his return don’t tell the whole story. Pitchers still work around him, fully aware of what he can do.

But with him stuck at DH, the Yankees have to shuffle their lineup more and deal with some shaky outfield defense.

• Batting average since return: .229
• Home runs: 2
• RBIs: 6
• Primary position: Designated Hitter (since Aug. 5)

Balancing Offense and Defense

New York’s got to squeeze as much as they can from Judge’s bat without putting his elbow at risk. They’re mixing in more defensive-minded outfielders and sometimes moving Stanton into the field, even if it means giving up some range and speed.

Looking Ahead: A Managed Season for Judge

Boone doesn’t expect Judge to get his full arm strength back this year, so it’s looking like a carefully managed season for one of baseball’s biggest stars.

The Yankees need everything they can get from Judge’s offense to stay in the playoff hunt, but pushing him past DH duties just isn’t worth it right now.

Playoff Implications

If the Yankees make the postseason, Judge might stick to a DH-only role into October. That would limit the team’s defensive options, but his bat could still decide those nail-biter games.

For Judge, just staying healthy through the finish line probably matters most right now. Fans might miss those electric throws from right field, but nobody’s doubting his impact as a hitter.

The Yankees seem determined to keep him in the lineup, even if his glove doesn’t see action until next spring. That’s a trade-off they’re clearly willing to make.

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Here is the source article for this story: Yankees’ Aaron Judge gets bad injury update on right elbow problem