What's Happening?
Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees' star outfielder, is set to participate fully in the team's upcoming full-squad workouts. This announcement comes from Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who confirmed Judge's readiness after recovering from a flexor strain in his right elbow. The injury had affected Judge during the last two months of the 2025 season, yet he still managed to lead the majors with a .331 batting average, hitting 53 home runs and securing 114 RBIs. Judge's performance earned him his third American League MVP award. Despite the injury, which limited him to 95 games in right field and required him to serve as a designated hitter 56 times, Judge is now reportedly throwing well. Boone plans for Judge to play in four or five of the Yankees' first
nine spring-training games before he joins Team USA for the World Baseball Classic on March 1.
Why It's Important?
Aaron Judge's return to full participation is significant for the Yankees as they prepare for the upcoming season. His ability to perform at a high level despite previous injuries underscores his value to the team. Judge's presence in the lineup is crucial, given his impressive track record, including a career .294 batting average and 368 home runs since joining the majors in 2016. His recovery and readiness to play could boost the Yankees' prospects in both the regular season and the World Baseball Classic, where he will represent Team USA. The team's management and fans alike will be watching closely to see if Judge can maintain his performance and avoid further injuries.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, Aaron Judge's participation in the Yankees' spring-training games will be closely monitored to ensure his elbow remains healthy. His performance in these games will likely influence his role and playing time in the upcoming season. Additionally, his involvement with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic will provide further opportunities to assess his fitness and form. The Yankees will need to manage his workload carefully to prevent any recurrence of his elbow issues, which could impact their strategy and lineup decisions as the season progresses.
