Aaron Judge shows early indication that his elbow issues are resolved

TAMPA — Aaron Judge’s Elbow Status May Impact WBC Participation

If Aaron Judge’s elbow continues to be a concern, he probably won’t be in the lineup for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic next month.

Throughout the offseason, Yankees officials have consistently reassured that Judge’s health is good whenever the topic arises.

However, recent events shed more light on his recovery. During a workout at the Yankees’ player development facility, Judge made a strong throw to the bases, signaling potentially that he’s returning to form after last year’s scare with a torn right elbow flexor.

He garnered attention for his arm strength late last season, yet struggled at first upon his return as a right fielder after spending time on the disabled list. While Judge ranked in the 85th percentile for pitching velocity last season with an average of 89.6 mph, he only hit above 80 mph twice in September due to his elbow issue.

Fortunately, he managed to pitch at his usual strength during the playoffs. Following his ejection from the ALDS, he indicated that he would require treatment in the offseason but not surgery.

It seems the break has benefited Judge’s elbow, and now he’s gearing up to lead Team USA as a right fielder in the WBC.

“He’s ready for the WBC, so we’ve ramped up our pitching program a bit,” manager Aaron Boone said last month. “From a throwing standpoint, he’s ahead of the game compared to his usual routine.”

On Tuesday, Judge was among several Yankees practicing ahead of pitcher and catcher reporting day. Other players participating in batting practice alongside him included Ryan McMahon, Jose Caballero, and Amed Rosario.

Later, pitchers Max Fried, David Bednar, and Ryan Yarbrough each threw an inning of live batting practice to a group that included Ben Rice, Spencer Jones, and George Lombard Jr. It’s promising for the Yankees to see Fried, who pitched a career-high 195¹/₃ innings last season, already facing hitters this early in spring training.

Currently, nine members of the Yankees’ 40-man roster are participating in the WBC, with the possibility of adding two more.

On Tuesday, relievers Tim Hill (USA) and Yerry de los Santos (Dominican Republic) were named to the designated pitcher pool, which allows teams to replenish their roster of pitchers after the first round.

The practice session featured a surprise appearance from Didi Gregorius, who joined Judge, McMahon, Caballero, and Rosario for batting practice.

The former Yankees shortstop has spent the last two days at the Player Development Facility, dressed in non-Yankees attire, as he prepares to play for the Netherlands in the WBC.