Yankees fans get big Aaron Judge injury update
The All-Star outfielder is suffering from a strained flexor muscle in his right elbow and but has been tipped for an early return.
Aaron Judge has been out of action since July 25, but the New York Yankees may be getting their star back sooner than expected.
The outfielder suffered a strained flexor in his right elbow and was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to July 22.
Now, there’s promising news for the Yankees. According to MLB.com, Judge is expected to be activated between Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, when the Yankees travel to face the Texas Rangers. If he returns, he’ll likely serve as the designated hitter to reduce strain on his throwing arm and avoid making long throws from the outfield.
Judge’s recovery has progressed quickly in part because his ulnar collateral ligament - the one typically associated with Tommy John surgeries - remained unaffected. The strain was limited to the muscles surrounding the elbow joint, allowing for a shorter recovery window.
Here’s Aaron Judge taking on-field batting practice in Miami. Target return as a DH is Tuesday or Wednesday at Texas: pic.twitter.com/hTPNeECS2e
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) August 1, 2025
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One major step toward his return came when Judge took live batting practice ahead of the Yankees’ series against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park. The team now plans to send him to Tampa, where he’ll take part in simulated games at the Yankees’ minor league complex, home to the Tampa Tarpons.
Judge has put together an MVP-caliber season in 2025. He leads Major League Baseball with a .342 batting average, recording 129 hits in 377 at-bats. He also tops the American League with 73 walks.
Through 103 games, the Yankees captain has hit 37 home runs and driven in 85 runs. Strikeouts have been an issue - he’s gone down on strikes 120 times - but his overall production remains elite. If all goes to plan, the Yankees could have their most important bat back in the lineup within a week.
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