Latest on Aaron Judge: Yankees MVP Contender Placed on IL with Right Flexor Strain – Impact and Recovery Insights

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge, the reigning American League MVP, has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. This news came on Sunday, with the team expressing hope he’ll only be out for the minimum time. In the meantime, left-handed pitcher Brent Headrick has been called up from Triple-A, and Amed Rosario has joined the active roster.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared Saturday that tests revealed no damage to Judge’s UCL. He underscored that the team believes Judge will primarily serve as the designated hitter when he returns. Judge had been sidelined from the lineup as the team awaited further imaging results for what Boone had described as an “elbow issue.” After the game, Judge admitted, “I couldn’t throw. That kind of sums it up,” indicating he preferred to just hit rather than risk further injury.

In his last game against the Phillies, Judge struggled with throwing from the outfield and appeared in pain after a throw during a matchup with the Blue Jays. Boone also mentioned that Giancarlo Stanton will start taking outfield reps but won’t play there while Judge is out. Stanton shared, “I’ll be ready for however it helps us win.”

Judge’s absence is significant for the Yankees. This season, he’s been exceptional, hitting .342 with 37 home runs and leading the majors in key stats like OPS and total bases. According to BetMGM, Judge is still in the race for his third AL MVP title, although Mariners’ Cal Raleigh currently has the edge with -150 odds.

While the team has added Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon to bolster their infield, losing Judge could shift their plans closer to the trade deadline. However, Judge remains optimistic, stating, “They’re going to be just fine. Guys are going to step up.”

In his 10-year career, Judge has dealt with various injuries. Despite this, he played a remarkable 158 games last season and contributed significantly during the postseason. Saturday marked his first missed game of the 2025 season. The Yankees sit at 56-48, with a strong run differential of +94, trailing the Blue Jays by six games in the AL East but holding the top wild-card spot.

Historically, player injuries have shifted the course of a season, impacting team dynamics and playoff chances. For instance, when Derek Jeter was sidelined in 2013 with an ankle injury, it drastically altered the Yankees’ performance that year. Similarly, the Yankees will need to adapt quickly around Judge’s absence.

Overall, this situation highlights the unpredictable nature of sports; resilience and adaptability are crucial. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team adjusts during this challenging time.

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