Judge’s Path to Return Gathers Momentum
Judge Aaron is making strides toward a possible return by next week.
The Yankees slugger, who has been dealing with tension in his right elbow flexor, started his hit progression Tuesday afternoon, working on the tee and throwing in an indoor cage.
He plans to repeat those activities over the next few days, and if all goes well, he might progress to hitting off a pitching machine by the weekend.
The Yankees are optimistic that Judge can come off the injured list after a minimum of ten days. He can be activated next Tuesday; of course, that hinges on how he responds to increased activity next week.
“That’s the hope, but we’re monitoring how he feels, listening to him and the trainers,” manager Aaron Boone noted before the Yankees’ 7-5 victory over the Rays in the Bronx. “We’re just focused on what happens near that ten-day mark.”
After receiving a PRP injection on Saturday, Judge will mostly serve as the designated hitter during his initial games back, as he’s still in recovery mode for a couple of weeks.
“I think there might be some slight compromises, especially with the flexor muscles involved in gripping,” Boone mentioned.
Paul Goldschmidt has been aware that slumps happen, but this one has been tougher to cope with, coinciding with the Yankees’ own struggles. He’s felt the weight of not hitting a home run at first base in the last 99 plate appearances.
“I wouldn’t say it’s been easy, but it feels like there’s more pressure,” Goldschmidt expressed before the recent game. “If the team wins, it’s easier to move on the next day, but after a loss, it’s a different story. I had a chance to be productive last night but didn’t come through. It’s tough because you feel partly responsible for the loss.”
Meanwhile, general manager Brian Cashman and his team have been in Tampa, checking in on the club’s player development complex as the trade deadline approaches on Thursday.
“It’s a critical moment,” Boone stated. “I talked to Cashman while driving home last night… There’s a lot going on. Conversations are happening with other teams, and I think we’re all waiting for things to settle down.”
Spencer Jones, who missed the last three games due to back spasms, returned to the lineup on Tuesday with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He’s been impressive since his promotion from Double-A and remains a prospect untouched by the trade discussions.
Boone also shared his condolences regarding the passing of former Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who died Monday at 65. Boone reminisced about watching Sandberg while his father was part of the Phillies’ system.
“I had his Nike poster on my wall growing up. He was genuinely remarkable, and it’s tragic for someone so talented to leave us too soon,” Boone reflected.
