Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ right fielder, was left out of the starting lineup for Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies because of an elbow problem. Manager Aaron Boone revealed that Judge experienced difficulty throwing the ball from the outfield during Friday’s game, prompting medical imaging to assess the injury, with results still pending.
Uncertainty Surrounds Severity and Recovery Timeline
The full extent of Judge’s elbow injury remains unclear, leaving the team unsure about how long he might be sidelined. Despite undergoing diagnostic procedures, the Yankees have yet to receive detailed findings from the imaging that will determine Judge’s ability to return swiftly.
Performance Slump and Season Success
Judge struggled at the plate recently, going 0-for-3 in the opening game of the series against the Phillies and holding a .143 batting average with a .600 OPS over his last eight games. Nevertheless, those difficulties come amid an otherwise outstanding 2025 season. Through 103 games, Judge leads Major League Baseball with a .342 batting average, a 1.160 OPS, and a 6.8 WAR. His totals also include 37 home runs, 24 doubles, 85 RBIs, and 90 runs, positioning him as the frontrunner to repeat as the American League MVP.
Manager Comments and Current Team Outlook
“Judge is dealing with an elbow issue and had trouble throwing the ball from the outfield last night, Boone said. He’s not in the starting lineup. Yankees awaiting imaging results.”
—Jack Curry, Sports Reporter
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Judge’s elbow problems affected his throwing ability during the previous night’s game, leading to the decision to rest the star in Saturday’s match. The Yankees are holding their breath as they wait for medical updates that will clarify Judge’s status moving forward.
Implications for the Yankees and AL MVP Race
Judge missing playing time could impact the Yankees’ pursuit of a Wild Card spot in the American League, especially as the team currently holds the ninth-best record in Major League Baseball, well behind postseason contenders. His absence could also influence the AL MVP race, potentially benefiting Seattle Mariners’ catcher Cal Raleigh, who has been gaining recognition in Judge’s shadow.
MLB Context and Related Developments
The Yankees recently made a roster move by acquiring Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies, addressing infield needs ahead of the trade deadline. Meanwhile, other MLB stories include Zach Neto’s standout performance for the Los Angeles Angels against the Seattle Mariners and the Arizona Diamondbacks’ historic pitching display against the Pittsburgh Pirates, contributing to an eventful season across the league.
Outlook for Judge and the Yankees
The Yankees now await the critical MRI results to determine Aaron Judge’s condition and expected recovery duration. Given Judge’s key role this season, the findings will significantly affect New York’s competitiveness in upcoming games and the broader AL playoff picture. Fans and analysts alike remain anxious as the team hopes for a swift return from one of baseball’s brightest stars.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?
A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting lots of home runs. He is one of only five players ever to achieve 50 home runs in three different seasons.
Q. How old was Aaron Judge adopted?
A. Aaron Judge was adopted right after he was born in 1992 by two teachers from California. Around age 10, he realized he was adopted because he looked different from his parents.
Q. What is so special about Aaron Judge?
A. Aaron James Judge, born on April 26, 1992, plays professional baseball as an outfielder for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has been chosen as an MLB All-Star seven times and has won the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player Award twice. Judge also holds the AL record for the most home runs in a single season, with 62.
Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?
A. “No,” the smiling captain replied on Saturday when asked if he would grow a beard now that the Yankees permit neatly trimmed ones. Judge occasionally grows facial hair during the offseason, but he doesn’t intend to have it while playing.