For years, Aaron Judge was synonymous with power both at the plate and in right field for the New York Yankees. His arm was a constant warning to those who dared to run the bases and his mere presence was enough to instill respect. However, that security has vanished, as the strain in his right elbow kept him away from fielding for weeks and has altered the way his rivals see him.
As the Yankees try to remain competitive in a season full of ups and downs, the physical condition of their captain has become the biggest concern, it is no longer just a question of whether he can hit with power, but whether he is able to fulfill the defensive role without putting his health at risk or compromising the team’s aspirations.
Aaron Judge today: Is he playing injured or is he just not the same?
The warning signs began after his elbow flexor strain during a game in Toronto and although he avoided more serious surgery, the time out of action and the slow return to fielding revealed the delicate nature of the matter. Judge returned as a designated hitter, but it took weeks for him to throw regularly again, raising doubts about his true recovery.
Judge himself insists he is 100%, but his body language on the field has told a different story, as he has stopped throwing with the same aggressiveness and his arm seems dosed, almost measured. Manager Aaron Boone was more direct some time ago, suggesting that Aaron probably wouldn’t throw “as usual” all season.
How does Aaron Judge’s injury affect the Yankees’ defensive strategy?
Opposing teams have noticed, they run more, take more risks on the bases and take advantage of any hesitation in the outfield. Judge is no longer the same as before when he stopped attempts to advance. Clint Frazier, a former Yankees player, explained bluntly: “Runners used to respect his arm. Now they want to test it”.
The New York defense has had to readjust with tighter positioning, less risk and a more conservative approach. But in close games, where every run counts, those limitations could make the difference between making the playoffs or watching from home. If opponents continue to challenge his arm, New York will have to respond with more on the diamond.
The question is not whether Aaron Judge can keep hitting, but whether his limited version is enough to keep the Yankees afloat. On paper he is still a key player, but on the field his limitations are beginning to weigh, without his ability to stop runs from right field, the margin for error is drastically reduced.
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