Aaron Judge’s Elbow Strain Poses Challenge for Yankees’ Postseason Hopes
Current Situation and Impact
The New York Yankees are facing the possibility that their star player Aaron Judge may not return to full strength this season. The team’s captain is still working to recover from a right flexor strain that resulted in his placement on the injured list in late July, with manager Aaron Boone acknowledging that Judge’s throwing arm could remain limited.
Judge’s condition, initially diagnosed as a flexor strain in his right elbow, has forced him to adapt his role with the team. While his UCL remains intact, he is currently limited to serving as the Yankees’ designated hitter (DH) upon his return from the injured list.
Performance and Statistics
Before his injury, Judge was having an outstanding season, posting impressive statistics with a .342/.449/.771 slash line and 37 home runs through 103 games. His dominance is evident as he leads the majors in several key categories, including OPS, OPS+, WAR, total bases, and hits.
Team Strategy and Adjustments
The injury appears to affect Judge more when throwing than when hitting, leading to strategic adjustments by the team. The Yankees have discussed playing Giancarlo Stanton in the outfield as a solution to keep both power hitters in the lineup while Judge is limited to DH duties. Stanton has already begun taking fly balls and conducting outfield work, with the earliest possible return to outfield play scheduled for the team’s upcoming homestand.
Playoff Implications
With the wild-card race tightening, Judge’s limited role has become a crucial factor in New York’s postseason push. While Judge’s presence in the lineup is vital, the Yankees are facing broader challenges, particularly with their pitching staff. The team has struggled with a 5.85 ERA since July 1, allowing six or more runs in 14 of their last 29 games.
As the most-feared bat in baseball, the Yankees are carefully balancing the need to have Judge in the lineup with the importance of preserving his long-term health.
