Aaron Judge finally made his much-anticipated return to the New York Yankees lineup. He’d been out for a bit with a right flexor strain in his elbow, and fans definitely noticed his absence.
Now, Judge is back in action as the team’s designated hitter (DH) while he recovers. The Yankees have been desperate for some offensive spark, and honestly, Judge’s presence feels like a real shot in the arm.
Still, there’s some anxiety. Both the team and fans are watching closely, knowing that any setback could spell trouble down the line.
Aaron Judge’s Injury: What Happened?
It all started on July 22, when Judge first felt discomfort in his elbow. By July 27, the Yankees put him on the 10-day injured list after the pain stuck around, calling it a right flexor strain.
These kinds of injuries can be all over the map—sometimes it’s a quick fix, other times it drags on for months. Judge just finished his first throwing practice since getting hurt and said he felt “good,” but there’s still some soreness.
He compared it to running on a hamstring that’s still healing—not ideal, but not shocking either. The Yankees aren’t taking any chances, trying to keep this flexor strain from turning into something nastier like a UCL sprain.
What is a Right Flexor Strain?
A right flexor strain means the muscles and tendons in the forearm, which help bend the elbow and wrist, are hurt. For a guy like Judge, who needs to make strong throws from the outfield, that’s a big deal.
Overusing those muscles can lead to pain or, worse, bigger problems like a sprained UCL or even Tommy John surgery. No wonder Judge and the Yankees are being extra careful right now.
The Yankees’ Strategy: Risk vs. Reward
The Yankees are in a tough spot. Their offense has been sputtering, and Judge’s bat is crucial.
For now, he’s only in the lineup as a DH, which limits the stress on his arm but keeps his power in the batting order. There’s a catch, though.
With Judge locked in as DH, Giancarlo Stanton can’t take his usual spot there. It’s a bit of a juggling act, and it really shows how much the Yankees need Judge at full strength.
Why Designated Hitter is the Best Temporary Role for Judge
Letting Judge DH keeps him in the game without putting his arm at risk. Swinging a bat isn’t as tough on the flexor muscle as throwing from the outfield.
He’s still dealing with some soreness, but it seems manageable. His power at the plate is just too valuable to sit out entirely.
Of course, it’s not the perfect setup. The Yankees work best when both Stanton and Judge can play where they’re most comfortable, but for now, this is the compromise.
Medical Perspective and Cautious Optimism
Doctors say you’ve got to be careful with flexor strains, or things can go south fast. The Yankees are taking it day by day, paying close attention to how Judge’s elbow responds as he ramps up activity.
Pushing too hard could turn a manageable injury into something that ends his season, and nobody wants that. If they keep playing it smart, Judge has a real shot at avoiding permanent damage and getting back to his usual self in the outfield and at the plate.
Can the Yankees Navigate These Challenges?
The Yankees are in a tricky spot. Their pitching has been shaky, and the offense leans heavily on Judge to deliver runs.
With the season heading into its most important stretch, New York needs to balance Judge’s recovery with fixing other holes in the lineup. If things keep trending in the right direction, maybe Judge will be back in the outfield soon, freeing up Stanton and giving the team a more balanced look.
Final Thoughts
Aaron Judge’s return isn’t just a boost for the New York Yankees lineup—it’s a lifeline. His power at the plate stands out, and even in a limited role, he makes their offense way more dangerous.
The Yankees know they can’t rush things. If they push Judge too hard, they could end up with a bigger problem down the road.
Right now, the plan’s pretty obvious: keep Judge’s bat in the lineup, but let his elbow heal at its own pace. It’s a tricky spot.
Fans are definitely on edge, hoping their star avoids any more setbacks. Can Judge get back to his all-star form in the outfield?
Honestly, who knows. The Bronx Bombers have to walk a tightrope here, and patience might be their best weapon.
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees’ Aaron Judge Gives Update on Elbow Injury
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