Aaron Judge remains confined to designated hitter (DH) duties following a right flexor strain that sidelined him briefly last month. Since returning to the lineup, Judge has posted a .229/.426/.429 batting line in 11 games. However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone raised questions about Judge’s ability to resume throwing normally this season during recent media appearances, including a radio interview on WFAN and a podcast appearance on Jomboy Media’s Talkin’ Yanks.
Manager Boone on Judge’s Throwing Prospects This Season
Boone clarified that Judge will likely still throw but with some limitations, hinting that he may need to
“play with a little bit of a governor”
on his throws to protect his elbow. Boone emphasized that Judge will not return to full field duties until he can throw without risk of injury. The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner noted that Boone indicated his remarks may have been somewhat overstated. Judge himself disputed his manager’s assessment, mentioning Boone had not seen him throw in two weeks and expressing confidence about regaining full throwing strength this year. He also stressed the importance of proceeding cautiously to avoid worsening his elbow condition and sidelining himself longer than his initial ten-day absence.
“to play with a little bit of a governor”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
Team Adjustments While Judge Recovers
Judge’s injury has created challenges for the Yankees, who rely heavily on their reigning AL MVP. His days away from hitting are a significant setback, so keeping him as a DH to allow his elbow to rest is considered a prudent strategy. Meanwhile, Giancarlo Stanton has provided strong offensive support, hitting .299/.377/.576 over 44 games since returning from his own injury. Stanton’s extensive injury history and current limitations have restricted his outfield appearances, making his recent time in right field a notable development, as he hadn’t played the field regularly since 2023.
Given Stanton’s limited ability to handle consistent outfield play—he has not exceeded 38 games in the outfield in any season since 2018—his role in the field is a short-term fix. The Yankees benefit most if Judge can return to full defensive duties soon, provided he does not jeopardize his recovery. This adjustment has also affected other lineup decisions, with Ben Rice receiving more starts behind the plate to allow both him and Paul Goldschmidt ample playing time. Austin Wells’s playing time has been reduced, coinciding with his struggles at the plate, evident in a .119/.172/.186 slash line since the All-Star break, a downturn likely to limit his role even without Judge’s DH presence.
Playoff Implications Amid Judge’s Ongoing Recovery
As Judge works toward returning to full strength, the Yankees remain embroiled in a competitive playoff chase. Toronto’s Blue Jays currently hold a five-game lead in the AL East, while New York leads the race for Wild Card positions by just one game over both the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians are within striking distance of a playoff berth, trailing by 2.5 and three games, respectively. The intensity of this close race underscores the importance of the Yankees’ careful management of Judge’s health and Stanton’s playing time in the closing weeks of the season, as both players’ availability could significantly influence the team’s postseason prospects.