Aaron Judge Makes Progress Towards Return: Yankees Update

Yankee Star Aaron Judge’s Recovery

Aaron Judge is on track for a potential return to the lineup next week. The New York Yankees’ slugger has been sidelined with a right elbow flexor strain but began hitting exercises on Tuesday.

Hitting Progression Initiates

• Date: Judge resumed hitting activities on Tuesday afternoon.
• Activities: He hit off a tee and did toss drills in the indoor cage.
• Next Steps: Anticipated to repeat the activities before moving on to hitting off a pitching machine by the weekend.

Injury Timeline

Judge is eligible to be activated from the injured list after a minimum 10-day stay, making him available starting next Tuesday. However, his return will depend on his body’s response to increased activity.

“That’s the expectation, but we’ll listen to the body and the trainers,” said manager Aaron Boone, who expressed cautious optimism about Judge’s progress.

Current Status

Judge recently received a PRP injection and is in a strict 10- to 14-day shutdown from throwing, meaning that he will serve as a designated hitter upon his return.

• Impact on Hitting: Boone noted, “There’s probably a subtle compromise hitting too because the [flexor] muscle is involved with the gripping.”

Aaron Judge (right) during the Yankees’ 7-5 win over the Rays. (AP)

Paul Goldschmidt Faces Slump

As Judge works toward his comeback, Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is navigating his own challenges at the plate, going 99 plate appearances without a home run. This slump coincides with the Yankees’ struggles in the standings, making it a tough period for the veteran player.

The Pressure of Performance

• Struggles: Goldschmidt is struggling not just with home runs but also with his batting average.
• Personal Reflection: “If you go 0-for-4 and the team wins, you move onto the next day, but definitely after a game if we lose… you feel like you’re a part of the reason for losing,” he shared after a recent game.

Paul Goldschmidt in action during the Yankees’ win over the Rays. (Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post)

Trade Deadline Buzz

As the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman and his staff are strategizing at the team’s player development complex in Tampa.

• Deadline Importance: Boone emphasized the significance of the upcoming period for the team.

"There’s so many balls in the air… it’s anyone’s guess where the dust settles," Boone remarked regarding the trade talks.

Emerging Talent

Spencer Jones has returned to the lineup at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after addressing back spasms. Known for his offensive prowess, Jones had recently made headlines with 13 home runs in just 19 games.

Remembering Baseball Legends

In light of recent events, Boone also paid tribute to former Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who passed away at 65.

• Boone’s Memories: Boone shared, “Had his Nike poster on my wall… Just a really gracious, really great guy, gone too early, that obviously had an amazing career.”

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