Yankees' Aaron Judge takes another step, making throws to bases

Aaron Judge appeared to take another step toward returning to the outfield when he spent time before Sunday night's  finale of the four-game series against the Red Sox in the Stadium outfield making throws to bases.

Judge has been limited to DH duties because the strained flexor tendon in his right elbow has prevented him from making throws in a game. He took the step of playing catch from 150 feet a week ago, and throwing to bases was the next one, though he said “it’s the same — throwing the ball 150 feet in the direction of a base.”

Neither Judge nor manager Aaron Boone could give a timetable on when he will be fit to play the outfield. Giancarlo Stanton — who had been the full-time DH before Judge’s injury — played rightfield on Sunday for the third time in four games. The Yankees are being mindful of the injury risk for Stanton, but they need to keep their two most dangerous bats in the lineup.

“The bottom line is we want to do this the right way," Boone said of Judge’s ramp-up. “As much as he wants to be out there and we want him out there, we've got to make sure we want to do everything possible to put ourselves in the best position to not reinjure this.”

Judge said he feels no discomfort when he swings a bat but was less definitive about throwing the ball. Asked how he feels the day after making throws, he replied, “It's just like anybody: If you pull your hamstring and you're running, the next day, you're going to be a little sore.”

The concern has to do with the intensity of the throws if Judge has to make them in critical situations.

“I wouldn't say I was at 100%, but it was higher intensity today,” he said. “I'm trying to . . . treat it like it's a game . . . so when I get out there in the game, it doesn't speed up on me and I throw [and] kind of push it too much.”

And now Judge has begun throwing to second base as well … #Yankees pic.twitter.com/I5zoShvJav

— David Lennon (@DPLennon) August 24, 2025

Boone conceded that it's possible that opponents will test Judge’s arm upon his return to the outfield.

“[This] is more about trying to make sure he's in a position to continue to heal and not hurt himself,” Boone said. “Throwing isn't the only part of his game that makes him really good out there.”