The New York Yankees (82-65. heading to Friday) are looking to make another deep postseason run, currently holding the top American League wild card spot with a three-game deficit in the division.
The Yankees have once again been one of the league’s top offensive teams, leading MLB in runs per game at 5.2, and have been powered by superstar Aaron Judge. The 33-year-old slugger has had another monstrous year at the plate, earning his fifth consecutive All-Star appearance (seventh overall) and once again emerging as a clear frontrunner for AL MVP.
Over 136 games, Judge still leads all of baseball in bWAR (7.8) despite spending time on the injured list with a right elbow flexor strain—an impressive testament to his overall dominance. He currently owns a .322 batting average, .443 on-base percentage and 1.112 OPS, all of which lead any player in baseball.
The biggest concern for Judge currently is on the defensive end, as his elbow strain has continued to limit his ability to throw.
Ahead of a crucial weekend series against the Boston Red Sox, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman commented on Judge’s injury and said he still does not expect him to need surgery in the offseason. However, he admitted Judge is “walking that tightrope of when to throw the thunderbolt and when to play it safe,” via MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
With every throw Judge makes, he risks injuring his UCL, and New York’s decision to fast-track his rehab could have implications on the 2026 season.
Yankees Bracing for Potential Aaron Judge Move on Saturday
As Judge continues to struggle throwing at full force, manager Aaron Boone addressed the possibility of moving him to the shorter area of the outfield at Fenway Park on Saturday, though that decision has not yet been made.
“Aaron Judge could play left field tomorrow at Fenway Park—shorter distance on throws, etc. Aaron Boone said that call hasn’t yet been made,” wrote MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
Aaron Judge could play left field tomorrow at Fenway Park — shorter distance on throws, etc. Aaron Boone said that call hasn't yet been made.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) September 12, 2025
With Fenway Park featuring the “Green Monster”, the distance to cover in left field is far less than in right, leading to shorter throws and less stress on Judge’s arm.
The Yankees have been featuring Giancarlo Stanton in the outfield, but at 35 years of age, Stanton’s prime is behind him and the risk of injury increases when he’s not in the designated hitter role. Stanton also offers no value defensively, so Judge’s mobility—despite not being able to throw at full strength—still seems to be the best option heading into October.
