Aaron Judge, the towering New York Yankees outfielder and captain, continues to be a focal point of discussion in the world of Major League Baseball. With his immense power, defensive prowess, and leadership on and off the field, Judge is a central figure not only for Yankees fans but for the entire MLB community. However, his career has often been marred by injuriesāsomething that has recently resurfaced in the 2025 season.
This article dives deep into Aaron Judgeās current injury status, whether heās playing today, the concerns surrounding his elbow, and how long he might be out. We also explore his injury history, how it affects the Yankees’ season, and what fans can expect moving forward.
š©ŗ Aaron Judge Injury: What’s the Latest Update?
As of July 2025, Aaron Judge is dealing with lingering elbow soreness, an issue that has sidelined him intermittently throughout the 2025 MLB season. Reports surfaced earlier this month indicating that Judge had been experiencing inflammation in his right elbow, prompting precautionary rest and several medical evaluations.
According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, the injury is being treated conservatively with rest, anti-inflammatory treatments, and light rehab exercises. There is currently no structural damage or need for surgery, which is good news for both Judge and the Yankees.
š Timeline of the Recent Injury
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Early July 2025: Judge reports soreness in his elbow after a series against the Orioles.
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July 10, 2025: Misses two games for evaluation.
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July 15, 2025: Returns briefly, but elbow flares up again.
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July 20, 2025: Officially listed as “day-to-day” with a right elbow strain.
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July 25, 2025: Undergoes MRIāresults show mild inflammation.
So far, there are no immediate plans to place him on the Injured List (IL), but the situation is being monitored daily.
š¹ļø Is Aaron Judge Playing Today?
ā Game Status: Day-to-Day
As of today, Aaron Judge is not in the starting lineup for the Yankeesā game against the Boston Red Sox. The team is taking a cautious approach given the proximity to the postseason push. Judge was seen during pregame warm-ups taking light swings in the batting cage and working with the team trainerāan encouraging sign.
Fans hoping to see him in action might have to wait at least another game or two, but the good news is that Judge is still with the team and not on the IL. His return could happen at any moment if the soreness subsides.
šŗ Broadcast & Live Updates
You can check YES Network or MLB.com for the latest in-game updates and lineup changes involving Aaron Judge.
šŖ Aaron Judgeās Elbow Injury: Causes & Concerns
The current elbow issue stems from repetitive stress and overuse, particularly from aggressive swings and long throws from right field. While Judge has not had Tommy John surgery in the pastāa procedure commonly associated with elbow ligament damageāthe Yankees are taking every precaution to avoid such a scenario.
Common Elbow Injuries for MLB Players:
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UCL Strain (Ulnar Collateral Ligament): Can lead to Tommy John surgery.
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Flexor Tendon Strain: Causes pain during throwing.
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Olecranon Bursitis: Inflammation due to trauma.
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Tendonitis: Often caused by overuse.
Judgeās MRI ruled out UCL damage, but tendonitis is a possibility and can be managed with therapy, rest, and load management.
ā¾ Is Aaron Judge Hurt Often? Injury History Breakdown
Aaron Judge is one of the MLB’s elite athletes, but he has battled several injuries throughout his career:
š Career Injury Timeline:
| Year | Injury Type | Games Missed |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Wrist fracture | 45 |
| 2019 | Oblique strain | 54 |
| 2020 | Calf & rib injuries | 30 (short season) |
| 2021 | Healthier season | 9 |
| 2023 | Toe ligament sprain | 42 |
| 2025 | Elbow soreness | Ongoing |
While injuries have limited his time on the field in the past, Judge always returns strong and productive, often making up for lost time with game-changing performances.
š§ Yankees’ Strategy: Should They Rest or Risk Him?
The Yankees are currently in a tight playoff race, battling for the AL East title. Aaron Judgeās presence in the lineup is a game-changer, but the teamās front office is focused on long-term health over short-term gain.
Possible Options:
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Short-Term Rest: Continue to list him day-to-day and bring him back gradually.
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10-Day IL: Give him full recovery time.
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DH Role Only: Limit fielding duties, reduce throwing stress.
Yankees insiders suggest that designated hitter (DH) might be the middle ground, allowing Judge to keep his bat in the lineup while sparing his elbow.
š How the Yankees Perform Without Judge
Aaron Judge isnāt just a sluggerāheās the heart of the Yankees. When heās absent, the offense significantly drops in terms of home runs, RBIs, and overall run production.
With vs Without Judge (2025 Stats)
| Metric | With Judge | Without Judge |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Runs/Game | 5.4 | 3.9 |
| Team Batting Avg | .263 | .240 |
| Win % | .621 | .480 |
Itās clear: Aaron Judge elevates the teamās overall performance, and his absence is felt immediately, particularly in clutch situations.
š£ļø What Are Fans and Analysts Saying?
Fan Reactions on Social Media
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āNo Judge, no chance. Yankees need him healthy ASAP.ā ā @YanksFanNY
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āGlad they’re playing it safe. Elbows are trickyādon’t rush him back!ā ā @MLBInsider
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āAt least itās not the toe again šā ā @PinstripePride
Analysts Weigh In
MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds stated:
āAaron Judge is worth every penny of his contract, but youāve got to protect your investment. The Yankees are doing the smart thing here.ā
š§¾ Contract & Implications
Judge signed a 9-year, $360 million deal with the Yankees in 2022. Heās currently in the fourth year of that deal, and with a no-trade clause, his long-term future is in New York.
Injury management is part of protecting such a massive investment. A significant elbow injury could alter the course of not only the season but potentially the next few years of Yankees baseball.
š§¬ Aaron Judgeās Training and Recovery Routine
To ensure a full return, Judge is undergoing a targeted rehab plan including:
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Daily Physical Therapy
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Range of Motion Exercises
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Anti-inflammatory Medications
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Soft Toss and Tee Work
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Reduced Weight Training for Upper Body
Heās also working with team trainers and medical specialists to monitor progress and inflammation levels.
š Fantasy Baseball Impact
If youāre a fantasy baseball owner, monitor Judgeās daily status closely. While heās out, consider streaming players like:
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Giancarlo Stanton (more starts while Judge is out)
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Jake Bauers or Trent Grisham
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DJ LeMahieu (increased run production)
When Judge returns, expect him to be eased back in, possibly with limited plate appearances initially.
š§ Mental Toughness & Leadership
Despite the injury, Judge remains a clubhouse leader. Teammates speak highly of his presence, even when heās not playing.
Heās been seen encouraging younger players, analyzing at-bats on the tablet, and staying engaged with pitching decisionsāa true captainās mindset.
š When Will Aaron Judge Be Back?
There is no set return date, but sources close to the team believe Judge could return by early August, assuming his elbow responds well to rest and treatment.
Best-case scenario: Returns in a DH role within the next week.
Worst-case: Placed on IL, returns after 10 days.
š Conclusion
Aaron Judgeās recent elbow injury has put a temporary pause on his 2025 campaign, but the Yankees are acting with caution and long-term strategy in mind. While fans are eager to see him back in the lineup, the franchise understands that a healthy Aaron Judge in September and October is far more valuable than rushing him back in July.
For now, Judge remains day-to-day, actively working toward a return, and there is no indication of a serious long-term injury. Stay tuned to the Yankees’ official channels and MLB.com for updates.
