Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ star center fielder and two-time AL MVP, is sidelined due to a flexor strain in his right elbow, confirmed after an MRI on July 26, 2025. Following the diagnosis, Judge received a platelet-rich plasma injection and will be placed on the injured list (IL) for at least two weeks, initially returning as a designated hitter (DH). This injury interrupted his season but spared him more severe damage requiring Tommy John surgery.
Judge expressed frustration over his inability to throw and reluctance to go on the IL, emphasizing his desire to continue contributing as a hitter. During an interview with the YES Network, he said,
The pain is tough to tell. We’re starting to get on some medicine just to kind of clean that stuff up. I couldn’t throw, so I think that kind of sums it up,
—Aaron Judge, Yankees center fielder.
He further explained his preference to keep playing rather than immediately joining the IL, stating,
I was reluctant about going on the IL… If I can hit, let me hit.
—Aaron Judge, Yankees center fielder. Judge’s candidness highlighted a significant internal debate between him and the Yankees’ management about his role during recovery, revealing tension in how best to manage his injury and playing time.
When pressed about the team‘s decision for him to enter the IL instead of remaining as DH, Judge said,
Yeah, that’s what took the longest, I think, more than anything.
—Aaron Judge, Yankees center fielder. This suggests a notable difference of opinion on his recovery plan, underlining a possible rift between the player and the organization.
Spencer Jones’ Setback and Its Impact on Yankees’ Outfield Plans
While Aaron Judge’s injury stirred challenges on the Yankees’ roster management, another developing issue is affecting the team’s depth in the outfield: Spencer Jones’ delayed call-up due to a minor injury. Jones, who has been a standout prospect in Triple-A, boasting 13 home runs in just 19 games, including an impressive three-homer game, was expected to provide immediate support to the team.
However, Jones missed a recent Triple-A game due to back spasms, which has become a critical setback for his promotion to the majors. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post,
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, New York Post Sportswriter.
This injury, although minor and expected to require limited recovery time, has interrupted Jones’ momentum at an important moment for roster decisions. Andy Martino from SNY emphasized this by noting that despite the back spasms being a short-term issue, it effectively halted Jones’ immediate elevation to the major league team, a tough break considering his ongoing recovery from Tommy John surgery.
With Jones sidelined, the Yankees’ front office has reconsidered their options, focusing less on the trade market and more on internal choices. While Eugenio Suarez was briefly in discussion, the Yankees have pulled back from pursuing him. Instead, they appear more inclined to look at outfielders already on the 40-man roster, such as Bryan De La Cruz and Everson Pereira, as the most viable alternatives.
Uncertainties Surrounding the Yankees’ Roster Adjustments
The Yankees face a difficult balancing act in managing their roster amid these injury setbacks. Aaron Judge’s insistence on continuing play despite injury contrasts with the team’s cautious approach, primarily for long-term health considerations. Meanwhile, Spencer Jones’ unexpected minor injury raises complex questions about call-up timing and the readiness of prospects.
The decision not to promote Jones now, despite his stellar Triple-A performance, underscores the unpredictability of player health and roster strategy, especially in a tightly contested season. The choices between internal promotions and potential trade acquisitions indicate the Yankees’ efforts to maintain competitive depth while managing the recovery timelines of key talents.
The Broader Implications for the Yankees’ Season and Future
This series of injuries and roster challenges illustrates the fragility of a contending team‘s composition. Aaron Judge remains a foundational figure for the Yankees, so how the team manages his recovery and playing role could shape their offensive production and postseason hopes. The tensions revealed between Judge and management reflect the stress teams face when balancing player health with competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Spencer Jones’ delayed call-up spotlights the hurdles that prospects face in breaking through to the major leagues, particularly when sidelined by untimely injuries after comeback recoveries like Tommy John surgery. How soon Jones rebounds and fits into the Yankees’ plans is crucial to their immediate and long-term outfield strategy.
Looking ahead, the Yankees will need to monitor Judge’s progress carefully, optimize his DH role post-IL, and evaluate alternate outfield reinforcements, possibly relying on Bryan De La Cruz or Everson Pereira. The team’s ability to navigate these challenges will be central to their pursuit of success in the coming weeks and months.