Aaron Judge Feels “Great” as Elbow Heals, Eyes WBC and Yankees Season Ahead
TAMPA, Fla. - Aaron Judge is back on the field, and more importantly, back to feeling like himself.
The Yankees captain confirmed Monday that he won’t need surgery on the flexor tendon strain in his right elbow - the same injury that had fans holding their breath late last season. After a full battery of tests and evaluations from the team’s medical staff, the verdict was clear: no surgery necessary, and full steam ahead.
“They ran all their checks again,” Judge said at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
“Did all the tests. They said, ‘You’re good to go,’ and I said, ‘All right, when can I start throwing?’
It was good.”
That’s welcome news for a Yankees team that relies heavily on Judge’s bat, glove, and leadership. At 33, he’s not just the face of the franchise - he’s also the heartbeat of the clubhouse. And heading into a season where expectations are always sky-high in the Bronx, Judge’s clean bill of health is a major boost.
Throwing with Confidence
Judge says the elbow is “feeling great” and that he hasn’t “had any issues so far.” He’s already throwing to bases and has ramped up his preseason workouts in preparation for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he’ll serve as captain of Team USA. Their first game is set for March 6.
“I’m throwing out there confident,” he said, flashing the kind of optimism that Yankee fans have come to expect from their leader.
That confidence was on display Monday when he stepped in against Yankees top pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange. The right-hander was lighting up the radar gun, touching triple digits multiple times, but Judge managed to take him deep once - a sign that both his swing and timing are in midseason form.
Before Monday’s full-squad workout - the team’s first of the spring - Judge had already been spotted getting work in at the Yankees’ player development complex and doing light drills at Steinbrenner Field. Pitchers and catchers officially reported last week, but Judge has clearly been ahead of schedule.
How the Injury Played Out
The elbow injury dates back to late July, when Judge made a throw in Toronto and felt something wasn’t right. He landed on the injured list but returned shortly after, playing 27 straight games as the designated hitter. He eventually returned to the outfield, though he didn’t fully test the elbow until later in the season.
“There were some tough moments during the year,” Judge admitted. “I’ve never dealt with any elbow stuff. I was definitely concerned.”
But with the Yankees still fighting down the stretch, Judge pushed through, understanding the stakes.
“I knew where we were at as a team and how important those last couple games were at the end of the year,” he said. “I was trying everything I could to be out there.
I wouldn’t have it any other way. If something were to happen or if it were to get worse, I’d rather be doing it on the field than anywhere else.”
The Yankees’ training staff played a key role in managing the situation. Judge credited them for keeping him in check - slowing him down when necessary, and ramping things up when his body was ready.
“I was a little concerned at times,” he said, “but we had a great training staff. They were honest with me.”
A Normal Offseason, Finally
Once the season ended and further testing confirmed the tendon strain didn’t require surgery, Judge was able to enjoy a relatively normal offseason. He took just two weeks off from throwing before getting back to work - a sign of how much better the elbow felt.
“There were times I was able to really let it go,” he said. “It was great to hear those words, knowing that I could go into the offseason and just prepare the way I need to be in the best shape to start the year.”
And that’s exactly what he’s done. With the World Baseball Classic on the horizon and Opening Day not far behind, Judge looks locked in - physically, mentally, and competitively.
For the Yankees, that’s more than just a positive update. That’s the tone-setter for a season where they’ll be counting on their captain to lead the charge once again.