NEW YORK – Losing outfielder Aaron Judge for almost two weeks because of a right flexor strain is a huge blow to the Yankees because of the production he provides in the batter’s box. Judge, who won his second AL Most Valuable Player Award in 2024, is having another sensational season for the Yankees, leading the Majors in several statistical categories. Judge has slashed .342/.449/.711 with 37 homers in 103 games.

Yankees Scuffling Without Aaron Judge

During Judge’s absence, which started Saturday against the Phillies, the Yankees are 3-2, four games behind the Blue Jays and two games ahead of the Red Sox in the A.L. Wild Card race.

Judge hurt the elbow in the sixth inning against the Blue Jays on July 22 after trying to throw out Davis Schneider at the plate. Schneider ended up scoring on a single by George Springer. Grimacing in pain an inning later, Judge stayed in that game and went on to play the next two games against Toronto and Philadelphia, respectively.

With Judge out, Cody Bellinger will spend most of the time in right field. Judge is eligible to come off the Injured List on Aug. 5 and the Yankees are expecting him to become the designated hitter, while Giancarlo Stanton will play one of the corner outfield spots. Stanton is a below average outfielder, so expect Austin Slater to replace Stanton as a defensive replacement in the late innings.  

Aaron Judge Expected To Hit Off Machine This Weekend

Although he is unable to play, Judge is working hard to get back on the field. On Tuesday, for example, Judge resumed light work in the hitting cage. By the weekend, he is expected to hit against a velocity machine. The Yankees are then hoping that he can start throwing the baseball by the middle of the month. Judge is more than the leader on the field. Off the field and in the clubhouse, he makes his presence felt.

“Even though he is not playing, he is still helping. He is super knowledgeable. He is one of the best players in the game – I believe of all time,” Bellinger told MLBbro.com. “Just to play next to him – I’ve seen it on TV– but to see it with your own eyes is special.”

That’s why Judge is the captain of the Yankees, said Carlos Rodón. 

“The title speaks for itself with Aaron,” Rodón said. “Everybody knows about Aaron Judge. He is a leader. He fits the role. It seems like he was born to do it.”                    

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the “expectation” and “hope” is that Aaron Judge will return as a DH when eligible to be activated on Aug. 5. He performed light cage work today. That could continue through the week, with velocity machine work coming over the weekend.”

At some point during the upcoming homestand (Aug.8-13) Judge is expected to resume throwing.