The New York Yankees announced that Aaron Judge will miss time after being placed on the injured list due to a right flexor strain sustained during a recent game. The injury emerged after Friday’s loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, where Judge struggled to throw and was visibly in pain, leading to his absence from Saturday’s game. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed there is no damage to Judge’s ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and expressed hope that Judge’s recovery will require only the minimum 10-day absence.

Judge has been a pivotal figure for the Yankees this season, leading the American League in several offensive categories, including hits, runs, walks, total bases, and slugging percentage. He remains neck and neck with Cal Raleigh in the AL MVP race, making this injury a significant setback for both the player and the team. The timing is especially challenging as the Yankees have struggled recently, posting a 4-5 record since the All-Star break and falling 5½ games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East, although they still occupy the top wild-card spot in the American League.

Yankees’ Recent Moves Amid Ongoing Difficulties

In an effort to strengthen their roster, the Yankees acquired Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies and Amed Rosario from the Washington Nationals. However, the team has no immediate plans to promote top prospect Spencer Jones, indicating a cautious approach to their rebuilding and roster management. The current stretch has been difficult for New York, with a 9-13 record since June 30, reflecting persistent issues beyond individual player injuries like Judge’s.

Insights on Judge’s Impact and the AL MVP Race

Sportswriter Dayn Perry described losing Aaron Judge for any period as a “grave blow” to the Yankees due to Judge’s dominant performance across the board. His contributions continue to elevate the Yankees despite the team’s recent inconsistencies. Judge’s injury not only diminishes the Yankees’ offensive capabilities but also affects the AL MVP competition, where he has been a leading contender. This development casts uncertainty over the remainder of Judge’s season and the Yankees’ playoff aspirations.

Summary of Recent MLB Highlights and Power Rankings

While the Yankees face challenges, the Toronto Blue Jays have surged to the top of the MLB Power Rankings following an impressive run since late May. With a 37-15 record since May 27 and an outstanding +70 run differential, the Blue Jays have transformed from early-season underperformers to true contenders. George Springer is enjoying a career-best batting average and strong OPS, Bo Bichette has regained form, and Alejandro Kirk is making notable improvements at the plate. Veteran Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains a key contributor, while Eric Lauer’s return from Korea has bolstered the Blue Jays’ pitching staff with a stellar 2.60 ERA. The bullpen has been among the league’s best, solidifying Toronto’s status as a leading contender this season.

Notable Industry Moves Outside MLB

In NFL news, star wide receiver Terry McLaurin ended his holdout and returned to the Washington Commanders’ training camp but was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to an ankle injury. His presence carries significant weight with fans and franchise leadership alike, though McLaurin’s return without a new contract is tentative. Meanwhile, Charger Rashawn Slater signed a historic four-year, $114 million extension, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman annually in NFL history with $28.5 million per year and $92 million guaranteed.

Other contract news includes Jake Ferguson’s four-year, $52 million deal, Josh Metellus’ three-year, $36 million agreement, and a revamped contract for Minkah Fitzpatrick with the Miami Dolphins. Injuries and roster updates continue across the NFL, with Matthew Stafford dealing with back soreness, Joe Mixon sidelined by a foot injury, and multiple players sustaining various injuries affecting team dynamics ahead of the season.

Baseball Hall of Fame Welcomes Historic New Class

Cooperstown honored a remarkable group of baseball legends in the 2025 Hall of Fame induction, marking the largest class since 2022. Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, Dick Allen, and Dave Parker were all inducted in a ceremony celebrating their distinguished careers. Ichiro Suzuki, who entered MLB at age 27, retired with 3,089 hits and set the single-season hit record with 262 in 2004. Suzuki received MVP votes nine times and earned 10 All-Star and Gold Glove selections, falling just one vote short of a unanimous Hall of Fame induction. In his speech, Suzuki reflected,

“Baseball taught me to make value decisions about what’s important.”

Sabathia, another first-ballot inductee after 19 seasons, recorded 3,093 strikeouts, ranking third all-time among left-handers, and earned a Cy Young Award in 2007 along with a 2009 World Series championship with the Yankees. Billy Wagner, who overcame an arm injury to become one of baseball’s premier relief pitchers, finished his career with 422 saves and holds the best strikeouts per nine innings rate in history among pitchers with at least 900 innings. Dick Allen and Dave Parker were inducted posthumously; Allen was the 1972 AL MVP and hit 351 career home runs, represented by his widow Willa Allen during the ceremony, while Parker, who won two World Series titles, had his speech read by his son Dave Parker II.

Other Sports Updates and Honors

Beyond baseball, a number of athletes and teams made headlines across various sports. In women’s soccer, England defeated Spain in penalty kicks to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, signaling an exciting buildup to the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Bubba Wallace broke racial barriers by winning the Brickyard 400, becoming the first Black driver to triumph at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Golf saw Kurt Kitayama claim the 3M Open title, while Lottie Woad earned acclaim after winning the Women’s Scottish Open in her professional LPGA Tour debut. In college basketball, the Chicago Bulls secured coach Billy Donovan with a contract extension, and the Royals extended pitcher Seth Lugo.

Widespread injuries affected notable athletes like Caitlin Clark, who has missed multiple games with a groin issue, and Breanna Stewart, coping with a leg injury. NFL preseason developments included coach Trei Oliver’s criticism of Virginia Tech for tampering allegations and a series of injury diagnoses disrupting team preparations. These updates underscore how injuries and contract negotiations continue to shape the landscape across professional sports.

What to Watch and Upcoming Games

Sports fans can look forward to several key matchups including Liberty’s basketball team facing the Wings at 8 p.m. on ESPN, followed by Major League Baseball action with the Mets playing the Padres or the Pirates facing the Giants at 9:40 p.m. on MLB Network. These contests will provide further context as the MLB trade deadline approaches, and teams adjust their rosters to remain competitive down the stretch.

Overall Outlook: Yankees Face Tests Without Judge

Aaron Judge’s right flexor strain creates significant challenges for the Yankees as they navigate a difficult stretch in the season. Judge’s leadership and offensive excellence had been integral to the team‘s efforts to climb the AL standings, and his absence is expected to impact New York’s prospects in the coming weeks. While the team has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its lineup, success will depend on sustained production from other key players and the pace of Judge’s rehabilitation.

As the MLB trade deadline looms, the Yankees and other contenders are poised to make critical roster decisions to position themselves for the postseason. Judge’s injury update will remain a focal point for fans and analysts monitoring the team’s chances. The larger implications for the AL MVP race add further gravity to the situation, creating a tense moment for one of baseball’s premier stars and his club.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?

A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs. He has had three seasons with 50 or more, joining just four other players who’ve done this.

Q. Does Aaron Judge know his biological parents?

A. The adoption process was a closed one, so he hasn’t connected with his birth parents. Aaron Judge, star outfielder for the New York Yankees, has earned numerous awards since he started in Major League Baseball in 2016.

Q. What is so special about Aaron Judge?

A. Aaron James Judge, born on April 26, 1992, plays outfield for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has been named an MLB All-Star seven times and has twice won the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player Award. He set the AL record by hitting 62 home runs in one season.

Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?

A. Aaron Judge stated he will not grow a beard, even though the Yankees have changed their rules about facial hair.