The New York Yankees are facing a challenging period following the diagnosis of Aaron Judge’s right elbow injury as a flexor strain this past Saturday. Although the injury is not severe, Judge will need to spend time on the 10-day injured list and will likely begin his return as a designated hitter before rejoining the outfield. This Aaron Judge injured list update comes at a critical time for the Yankees as they pursue a playoff spot in the competitive American League East.
Yankees’ Reluctance to Promote Spencer Jones Despite Strong Minor League Performance
While Aaron Judge’s absence leaves a significant gap in the Yankees’ lineup, the team has yet to promote their promising outfielder Spencer Jones to the majors, even though he has been excelling since his promotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on June 27. Jones, a 24-year-old and the No. 4 prospect in the Yankees system, boasts impressive power numbers and a high batting average at the Triple-A level, but the Yankees appear hesitant to call him up immediately.
Insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post shared on social media that the Yankees do not seem ready to replace Judge with Jones at this time. Heyman noted,
“It doesn’t sound like red-hot Spencer Jones will get the call to replace Judge now. Jones missed a game with back spasms. Not sure if that’s the reason they appear to be leaning elsewhere.”
—Jon Heyman, Insider
Spencer Jones’ Performance in Triple-A Highlights Potential
Despite his towering 6-foot-7, 240-pound build, which differs from Judge’s physique, Jones has demonstrated notable power at the plate. In just 19 games at Triple-A, he has already hit 13 home runs and accumulated 25 runs batted in while maintaining a .400 batting average with 32 hits in 80 at-bats. His power was on full display during a game against Rochester, when he launched three homers.
Jones began the season at Double-A Somerset, where his power also made an impression with 16 home runs and 32 RBIs in 49 games, improving his combined batting average to .314 for the season. These numbers underscore his potential as an offensive asset, although the Yankees remain cautious about rushing his major league debut.
Judge’s Role and the Team’s Urgency in a Tight AL East Race
No player can truly replace Aaron Judge, who serves as the captain and has led the Yankees with 37 home runs, 85 RBIs, and a .342 batting average this season. His absence compounds the pressure on the Yankees, who are currently six games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East race following a 9-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.
With the postseason approaching, New York is pressed to avoid falling further behind. This may increase the likelihood of the Yankees exploring trade options to boost their offensive lineup ahead of the trade deadline. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays continued their pursuit of the division lead, playing a night game against the Detroit Tigers.
Future Prospects and Minor League Developments Worth Watching
While Jones remains under close observation, several other rising stars continue to advance in the minors. New York pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange and St. Louis catcher Leonardo Bernal have received recent promotions in MLB Pipeline rankings. Additionally, Ethan Holliday made headlines by setting an MLB record before debuting with the Colorado Rockies, and the son of a former MLB player has been drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Fans and analysts alike are watching these prospects closely as the next generation of talent moves through the farm systems, reflecting the ongoing efforts of teams to build for the future amidst the current season’s challenges.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?
A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs. He has achieved three seasons with 50 or more homers, a feat matched by only four other players in history.
Q. How old was Aaron Judge adopted?
A. Aaron Judge was adopted right after he was born in 1992 by a couple who were both teachers in California. When he was around 10, he noticed he looked different from his parents and learned he was adopted.
Q. What is so special about Aaron Judge?
A. Aaron James Judge, born on April 26, 1992, plays as an outfielder for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has been named an MLB All-Star seven times and has won the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice. Judge set the AL record for hitting the most home runs in a single season with 62.
Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?
A. “No,” replied the smiling captain on Saturday when questioned about growing a beard, noting the Yankees now permit “well-groomed” facial hair. Judge occasionally has facial hair during the offseason but doesn’t intend to have any while playing.