Aaron Judge has once again inched closer to returning to his full role as the New York Yankees’ cornerstone in the outfield. On Sunday night at Yankee Stadium, the reigning American League MVP gave fans and teammates a reason to be hopeful, but his timeline for a complete recovery remains uncertain.
Judge, who has been sidelined from the field since sustaining a flexor strain in his right arm earlier this month, was seen throwing to bases before the Yankees’ 7-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox. It marked his first significant defensive work since the injury and a symbolic step forward in his recovery process. He delivered throws from roughly 150 feet out, signaling that progress is being made, even if the finish line is not quite in sight.
The Yankees’ win allowed them to avoid a sweep in the four-game rivalry series, improving their record to 70-60 and helping them maintain control of a wild-card spot in the American League playoff race. Yet for as uplifting as Sunday’s victory was, the greater storyline remained Judge’s potential return to his all-around role — a development that could dramatically impact New York’s postseason push.
Boone Urges Patience Despite Judge’s Desire to Return
While Judge’s appearance in the outfield pregame offered a dose of optimism, Yankees manager Aaron Boone reiterated the importance of exercising caution with his star player. Boone made it clear that the organization is determined not to rush Judge back into a position that could jeopardize his long-term health.
“The bottom line is we want to do this the right way,” Boone said, via ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. “And as much as he wants to be out there and we want him out there, we've got to make sure we want to do everything possible to put ourselves in the best position to not re-injure this.”
Since returning from the injured list on August 5, Judge has been limited exclusively to designated hitter duties. In his absence from right field, Giancarlo Stanton has taken over defensive responsibilities, leaving Judge confined to impacting games with his bat alone. For a player of Judge’s caliber, that adjustment has been noticeable — and not necessarily in a positive way.
Production Dip Since Shift to DH Role
Before the injury, Judge was among the most productive hitters in baseball. Entering Sunday’s series finale, he led the majors with a .326 batting average, while also tallying 40 home runs and 92 RBIs. His dominance at the plate made him not only the Yankees’ most dangerous weapon but also one of the frontrunners in the league-wide MVP conversation.
Since transitioning into a full-time DH role, however, Judge’s numbers have taken a sharp downturn. Over that stretch, his batting average has dipped to just .218. On Sunday, he went 0-for-3, underscoring the difficulties he has faced in adjusting to the role. Without the defensive side of his game to balance out his contributions, Judge’s all-around impact has not carried the same weight.
For a Yankees team fighting to secure playoff positioning, his struggles have been felt. The Yankees had dropped three straight to Boston before finally salvaging the finale, and while they sit third in the American League East, their margin for error is thin. Judge’s return to the outfield could provide a much-needed spark as the postseason approaches.
Judge: “I Want to Play Both Sides of the Ball”
Judge himself has made it clear that he is not content being limited to one dimension of his game. His passion for contributing defensively is as strong as ever, and he views his presence in the outfield as vital to the Yankees’ success.
"I'm a ballplayer," Judge said. "I want to play both sides of the ball and go out there, making plays on defense, helping my team out. I know hitting's important and all that, but I feel like I can impact this team on both sides, so I can't wait to get back out there."
Still, Judge admitted he has not fully turned the corner. He revealed that he is continuing to undergo “quite a bit” of treatment and is not yet feeling 100%. Until his body responds the way he and the medical staff need it to, a return to the outfield remains on hold.
The Stakes Ahead for the Yankees
The Yankees’ season now enters a critical stage. With only a few weeks left in the regular season, every game carries heightened importance. Their wild-card position is not secure, and with rivals like the Red Sox and Blue Jays close behind, the margin between October baseball and disappointment is razor-thin.
Judge’s full return could prove decisive. Beyond the numbers, his presence in the outfield provides defensive stability and leadership that the Yankees desperately need. His ability to control the right-field corner, coupled with his offensive power, makes him one of the most valuable two-way forces in the game.
But as Boone emphasized, the long-term health of their superstar is the priority. A setback at this point could endanger not just the Yankees’ postseason hopes, but also Judge’s future availability for the years ahead.
For now, Judge remains the designated hitter, Stanton continues patrolling right field, and the Yankees press on with hopes that their captain will soon be ready to reclaim his natural role.
What Comes Next
There is no set timetable for Judge’s return to outfield action. The Yankees will continue to evaluate his progress day by day, monitoring how his arm responds to increased throwing activities. For Judge, patience may be the hardest part, but his determination to get back on both sides of the ball has never wavered.
The next few weeks will reveal whether the Yankees can not only secure their playoff berth but also welcome back a fully healthy Aaron Judge in time to make a deep run. His bat remains dangerous, but the complete version of Judge — the one who dominates both at the plate and in the field — is what could separate New York from the rest of the American League contenders.
