Aaron Judge Returns as DH While Yankees Assess His Arm Condition

Aaron Judge’s return to the Yankees brings a mix of hope and unease. He’s still working through his recovery from a flexor tendon strain, and nobody’s totally sure what comes next. After spending 10 days on the injured list, Judge jumped back in as the designated hitter during a 2-0 loss to the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

He’ll start his throwing program soon, but the Yankees are already feeling the lineup crunch. They’re stuck in third place in a brutal AL East, and it’s not getting easier. Let’s take a closer look at Judge’s situation, the team’s recent struggles, and the roster moves shaking things up in the Bronx.

Aaron Judge Returns to the Yankees Lineup

Judge’s return definitely gives Yankees fans something to cheer about. The reigning MVP is hitting a ridiculous .339 and has 37 home runs, tied for fourth in the league. Still, there are limits—he only played as DH against Texas.

Manager Aaron Boone says Judge’s return to the outfield isn’t a sure thing. It’ll depend on how his throwing program goes. After a throw on July 22, Judge felt some elbow discomfort, but an MRI showed no serious damage to his UCL. He’s been getting a PRP injection and plenty of rest to help things heal.

What’s Next for Judge in the Outfield?

Boone isn’t committing to a timeline for Judge’s return to the outfield. They’ll see how his arm responds in the next few throwing sessions. Until then, his bat is staying in the lineup, even if he went 0-for-3 in his first game back.

Fans are watching closely, hoping Judge finds his rhythm again after the layoff. It’s tough to predict how quickly he’ll settle in.

Yankees’ Losing Streak and AL East Standing

The Yankees are in a rough patch, dropping five straight and sinking to third in the AL East. Toronto and Boston have pulled ahead, and the pressure’s mounting. The offense looks stuck in neutral, and Tuesday’s shutout loss just added to the frustration.

To get Judge into the DH spot, Giancarlo Stanton had to move to pinch-hitting duty. It’s just another example of the lineup juggling act the Yankees are dealing with right now.

Can the Yankees Break Through Their Slump?

With the losing streak dragging on, the Yankees’ playoff hopes feel shaky. People are asking if Judge, even as just a DH, can spark the bats enough to turn things around.

It’s going to take more than one player, though. The team needs timely hits from Judge, Stanton, and guys like Anthony Rizzo and DJ LeMahieu if they want to snap out of it.

Roster Moves Signal Uncertainty

Alongside Judge’s return, the Yankees have been shuffling the roster in hopes of finding a spark. Here’s what’s changed lately:

• They sent reliever Jake Bird to Triple-A after some rough outings.
• Outfielder Austin Slater, who just arrived, landed on the injured list with a hamstring issue.
• Mark Leiter Jr. is back from the injured list.
• Yerry de los Santos got recalled, and the team designated JT Brubaker for assignment.

These moves show the front office is trying to stay ahead of the curve, but honestly, it also highlights how unpredictable this season has been. Injuries and spotty performances have left the Yankees scrambling for answers.

What Do These Moves Mean for the Yankees?

The roster shuffle opens the door for new faces and maybe some fresh energy. The team’s trying different combinations to shore up the pitching and plug gaps in the lineup.

Maybe these changes will help build some momentum, but it’s a wait-and-see situation for now.

The Pressure on Aaron Boone and the Yankees

The Yankees’ struggles have put Aaron Boone right in the crosshairs. Five straight losses and a drop to third place have fans and media questioning his decisions.

Boone’s got to balance Judge’s recovery with the team’s offensive and pitching woes. It’s a tough spot, and how he handles it could shape how people remember his time in New York.

Looking Ahead: Can the Yankees Save Their Season?

The Yankees have undeniable talent. Still, their recent struggles call for quick changes.

Aaron Judge’s return offers a glimmer of hope. But honestly, his health and whether he can really handle the outfield again will matter a lot.

With Boone, Stanton, Rizzo, and the new roster mix, Judge stands at the center of it all. Can the Yankees actually rise to the challenge, or will the pressure just keep building as the season rolls on?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Aaron Judge is back in the lineup at DH as the Yankees wait for clarity on his throwing arm