MLB: AaronJudge Down, But Not Out — DH Role Awaits Yankees Slugger After Injured List

NEW YORK—Elbow Injury Sidelines Yankees Captain. Yankees superstar Aaron Judge is officially headed to the 10-day injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow, following a painful throw attempt in Tuesday’s game against the Blue Jays. The injury, sustained while trying to gun down Davis Schneider at home plate, initially appeared serious — but an MRI confirmed there’s no damage to the UCL, according to manager Aaron Boone.

“No acute injury to the UCL. Overall, that’s good news,” Boone told reporters. Judge is expected to return first as a designated hitter, and then ease back into the outfield.

Despite the injury, Judge played in the following two games against Toronto and Philadelphia, gutting it out while clearly in discomfort. “It was kind of do or die. You have to make a play,” Judge said of Tuesday’s throw. But by Friday, the pain made it nearly impossible for him to throw even 60 feet.

Judge, who has no history of elbow problems, was reluctant to hit the IL, insisting he could still swing the bat. The Yankees, however, made the call to prioritize long-term recovery.

What’s Next for the Yankees?

With Judge sidelined, Giancarlo Stanton is expected to shift into the outfield — something he hasn’t done since 2023 due to his own elbow issues. Stanton acknowledged he’ll need to “knock off the rust” but said he’s ready to step up.

The Yankees now sit six games behind the AL East-leading Blue Jays and are clinging to their Wild Card lead. With the Trade Deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on recently acquired Ryan McMahon to help fill the offensive void.

Judge remains confident: “Guys are going to step up. That’s what it comes down to,” he said, invoking the team’s gritty 2019 run.

MainEvent.News | Backstage Take:

 Yankees slugger and reigning MVP Aaron Judge is sidelined with a flexor strain in his right elbow, forcing a trip to the 10-day injured list. The silver lining? No UCL tear — meaning Tommy John surgery is off the table. Judge will likely return in DH mode before resuming his duties in the outfield. But with the Yanks slipping in the standings and the trade deadline looming, can the Bombers afford to be without their captain's cannon arm and MVP bat?