New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge returned to right field last Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays after missing six weeks with a right flexor strain. Since his return, Judge has alternated between covering right field and acting as the designated hitter, reflecting the team’s caution in managing his workload.
Doubts about his arm strength
After his return, there were questions about the strength and speed of his arm. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Friday that the rehabilitation process is ongoing, although it is taking longer than expected. He explained that the slugger is still in the phase of regaining confidence and power
“We gave him the time to heal and now, obviously, he’s doing the rehab progressions in games in the thick of the pennant race,” Cashman said. “They’re seeing the effects of that: a player who’s rebuilding arm strength little by little and learning to trust it, while walking that fine line between when to throw with full power and when to play it safe.”
Major surgery risk
Cashman’s comments suggested that Judge could be at risk of needing major surgery on his throwing elbow. A situation that is worrying, as it could affect not only the present but also the immediate future of the Yankees star.
Judge wants to get back to 100%
For his part, Judge himself had previously expressed that he hoped to regain 100% of his fitness and had asked the team to return fully to the outfield. Meanwhile, the organization continues to balance between giving him minutes on defense and protecting him to avoid a relapse that would compromise the end of the season.
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