Aaron Judge’s Arm Still Hampered by Elbow Strain as Yankees Hold Off Blue Jays
Judge made a run-saving diving catch in right field but his throws were notably reduced after returning from a flexor strain.
Aaron Judge showed both the limitations and the upside of his return to the outfield Sunday, making a diving catch that helped preserve a 4-3 New York Yankees victory over the Toronto Blue Jays while continuing to display a markedly weakened throwing arm as he works through the effects of a right-elbow flexor strain.
Judge was in right field for the second time in three days and was tested early. Ernie Clement led off the second inning with a double into the right-field corner; Judge raced in and made a strong attempt to get the shortstop at second, but the throw was tracked at about 70 mph. Earlier this season Judge’s outfield throws averaged roughly 90 mph.
With runners at second and third and one out later in the second inning, Nathan Lukes hit a fly ball to medium right. Judge threw to Jazz Chisholm Jr., who was acting as the cutoff man, rather than firing home; Clement scored. Springer opened the third with a double to right, and Judge’s next throw was clocked at 62 mph. The arm-strength differences helped the Blue Jays run against Judge, just as they did in his previous appearance in right field.
Judge’s defensive highlight came in the top of the fourth when he made a diving catch on George Springer’s sinking line drive to end the inning, preventing a run and preserving a one-run game with Nathan Lukes at second. The play drew praise from teammates and managers but did not erase the measurable decline in velocity on Judge’s throws.
Manager Aaron Boone said he considered Judge’s throws “good” and that he would continue discussing with Judge and fellow outfielder Giancarlo Stanton how often they felt comfortable playing the outfield. Boone said he did not consider replacing Judge late in the game with speedier defensive options such as José Caballero, though he acknowledged the tactical possibilities — Caballero was available and could have been used as a pinch-runner had Boone chosen to make a defensive change.
Paul Goldschmidt, out of the lineup for the second straight game because of a bone bruise in his right knee, entered as a defensive replacement at first base. Boone called the injury “pretty manageable” and said Goldschmidt was expected to be a normal player despite dealing with lingering effects from a low-grade right-knee sprain he suffered Aug. 12. Goldschmidt avoided the injured list but has missed multiple starts while the club monitored the knee.
The Yankees honored CC Sabathia before the game in a pregame ceremony recognizing his July Baseball Hall of Fame induction. The left-hander threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
The matchup also underscored the Yankees’ recent aggressiveness on the basepaths. Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. each swiped bases Sunday, pushing New York to 52 steals over their past 41 games, the most in the majors during that stretch. The Yankees have 116 steals this season, their highest total since they finished with 147 in 2011.
Judge’s continued presence in the outfield will remain a tactical issue for the Yankees as opponents look to test his arm. The club must balance the defensive value and lineup advantages of keeping Judge in the field against the potential costs of opponents taking extra bases and the long-term management of his elbow as he continues to be eased back into regular outfield work.