New York Yankees star Aaron Judge, who has been delivering a historic offensive performance this season, faces the possibility of elbow surgery that could end his year prematurely. Judge missed Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, marking just the second time he has been sidelined this year, as concerns about his right elbow continue to grow.
Tests Underway to Determine Severity of Injury
Prior to the Phillies game, Judge underwent medical tests to evaluate the condition of his sore right elbow; however, the results had not been disclosed by Saturday afternoon. Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke candidly about the situation, acknowledging the risk of a serious injury, including one involving the ulnar collateral ligament that might require Tommy John surgery. Boone highlighted the team‘s urgent need to understand exactly what they are dealing with.
“Felt like we wanted to have him down and get the imaging, get our hands around just what exactly we’re dealing with,”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
Injury Origins and Effects on Performance
The elbow problem first became noticeable during Tuesday’s game in Toronto, when Judge visibly reacted after throwing the ball back to the infield. Boone reported that while Judge experienced some relief on his rest day, his throwing ability was significantly impaired during Friday’s game.
“couldn’t throw well from the outfield.”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
Implications for Yankees and the Season’s Outlook
As the Yankees contend with this critical period in their season, Judge’s uncertain health status casts a shadow over the team’s offensive strength. Leading the Major Leagues in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage, Judge has been instrumental in the Yankees’ success. The organization and its supporters await further imaging results that will clarify his condition and determine whether he can continue playing or will require surgery to repair his elbow.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?
A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs. He is one of only five players to have three seasons with 50 or more homers.
Q. How old was Aaron Judge adopted?
A. Aaron Judge was adopted by two teachers from California just one day after he was born in 1992. When he was about 10 years old, he figured out 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 selected seven times for the MLB All-Star team and has won the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player Award twice. Judge set the AL record by hitting 62 home runs in a single season.
Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?
A. “No,” the captain responded with a smile on Saturday when questioned about growing a beard since the Yankees now permit “well-groomed” beards. Although Judge occasionally has facial hair during the offseason, he has no intention of having it during the games.