The New York Yankees may have averted a worst-case outcome for Aaron Judge’s elbow, but doubts remain about the true extent of his injury. The team recently reported no acute damage, yet some experts believe this assessment may understate the risks involved.
Expert Analysis Questions the Team’s Injury Report
Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden expressed skepticism regarding the Yankees’ portrayal of Judge’s condition during an appearance on MLB Network Radio’s Power Alley. While the Yankees claimed there was no new trauma, Bowden clarified that absence of an acute injury does not rule out existing damage. He explained,
“That doesn’t mean there’s no damage. It just means it’s not fresh or traumatic.”
Bowden drew parallels to the Yankees’ earlier handling of Gerrit Cole’s elbow troubles in 2024. Although Cole avoided Tommy John surgery at the time, the issue eventually resurfaced, causing more serious problems. This comparison heightened worries that Judge’s injury might be similarly underestimated.
Yankees’ Track Record of Minimizing Judge’s Health Issues
The Yankees have previously been criticized for downplaying Aaron Judge’s injuries. This time, Bowden also noted the team’s discreet admission that Judge had undergone a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. Since PRP therapy is commonly used to treat ligament and tendon injuries, its use suggests a potentially more serious condition than publicly acknowledged.
ESPN Analyst Voices Caution About Judge’s Recovery Timeline
Jeff Passan of ESPN echoed these concerns, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of flexor strains, which can sometimes lead to worse injuries like a UCL sprain. Passan stated,
“The hope that the Yankees have right now is that the injured list stint can be held to the 10-day minimum. Is that a realistic thing? We’re about to find out… quite often a flexor strain is a precursor to a UCL sprain or tear.”
He highlighted that while some flexor injuries heal quickly, others require more extensive treatment, sometimes including Tommy John surgery.
Initial Signs and the Team’s Response
The injury first caught attention Tuesday night in Toronto when Judge visibly winced after an outfield throw. The Yankees initially denied any issue but confirmed the injury on Saturday. To manage the situation, the team plans to ease Judge back into play as a designated hitter, since he reports no pain while batting.
Implications for Judge and the Yankees Moving Forward
Although the immediate outlook may seem less dire, caution is warranted regarding Aaron Judge’s health. The possibility of lingering or worsening injury remains, and the upcoming weeks will be critical in determining whether Judge can avoid long-term consequences. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team navigates this delicate process.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?
A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs. He has hit 50 or more homers in three different seasons. Only four other players in history have done this three times.
Q. Does Aaron Judge know his biological parents?
A. His adoption was closed, so he hasn’t been in touch with his birth parents. Since starting in Major League Baseball in 2016, Aaron Judge, an outfielder for the New York Yankees, has earned many awards.
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 as an MLB All-Star seven times and has won the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player Award twice. Judge set the AL record for hitting the most home runs in one season with 62.
Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?
A. Aaron Judge stated he won’t grow a beard even though the Yankees now allow facial hair.