How does it feel to survive in the league without the cornerstone? Ask the Yankees! They are surely feeling the weight of Aaron Judge’s absence. Since their captain landed on the 10-day injured list on July 27 with a flexor strain in his right elbow, the Bronx Bombers have stumbled, dropping five of their last nine games. In that stretch, the cracks have shown. The bullpen has imploded, defensive miscues have piled up, the offense has been shut out, and, in a historic first, the Yankees were swept by the Miami Marlins.
The fallout? A slip to third place in the division, trailing the rival Red Sox. Judge’s presence has never felt more essential. The slugger was hitting a scorching .342 before the injury, and his absence has left a glaring void in the lineup. At last, amid mounting anticipation and growing pressure, a fresh update has emerged. One that might finally put a smile back on the faces in the Yankee Stadium bleachers.
“Aaron Judge finished up live BP at the club’s minor league complex in Tampa about 45 minutes ago. According to one observer, included in Judge’s at-bats was a HR & a ground rule 2B. He’s scheduled to take more ABs at the complex on Monday & is expected back in the lineup Tuesday,” Yankees insider Erik Boland shared just what the fans were waiting for.
Aaron Judge finished up live BP at the club’s minor league complex in Tampa about 45 minutes ago. According to one observer, included in Judge’s at-bats was a HR & a ground rule 2B. He’s scheduled to take more ABs at the complex on Monday & is expected back in the lineup Tuesday
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) August 3, 2025
The Yankees are getting closer to having Judge back in the lineup, but it’ll be a cautious return. As per the last update from manager Aaron Boone, the reigning AL MVP avoided major damage to his UCL. However, he’ll likely have to start out as the designated hitter instead of jumping right back into the outfield. Boone plans to ease him in slowly as he works his way back to full strength in right field.
Reportedly, Judge is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list by Tuesday, August 5, when the Yankees face the Rangers. Judging by the recent video, he appears fit and ready, taking those hits. It’s just the spark the team needs right now.
For the unaware, Judge was in the middle of a historic season before going down with the injury. Even with the time he’s missed, he’s still very much in the MVP conversation. However, we think the Yankees aren’t worried about personal accolades right now. Sure, another MVP trophy would be nice, but it won’t mean much if the team’s October dreams disappear.
Having their best player back in the lineup is what gives the Yankees the best shot at staying in the playoff hunt and chasing a World Series title.
Mounting pressure on Yankees manager
The Yankees have been struggling with their defense since last month. And skipper Boone has yet to help the team overcome it. Then, Judge’s injury report came along. What followed is nothing short of a historic low for the team. And the manager just became the punching bag for the fans and analysts alike.
“Aaron Boone should’ve been fired 5 years ago. And many times since,” CBSSN host Adam Schein shared. Well, Boone has been under fire all season, taking heat for the Yankees’ struggles thanks to his questionable lineups and shaky bullpen decisions. On top of that, he’s faced criticism for downplaying the team’s defensive issues, especially with Anthony Volpe, who leads the league with 16 errors. Moreover, Boone’s “nothing’s wrong” approach isn’t exactly reassuring.
Jun 22, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) walks off the field after being ejected in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
If the Yankees don’t turn things around soon, it could spell trouble not just for the team’s postseason hopes, but for Boone himself. His insistence that ‘they’re the best team in the league’ doesn’t really match what the standings say. With the AL East as competitive as ever, the margin for error is razor thin. However, this time the tables have turned. To his credit, Boone has acknowledged his players’ mistakes and accepted some responsibility.
But his biggest test now is managing Judge’s return. With the team being extra careful with Judge’s throwing arm, Boone will have to balance his DH role with Giancarlo Stanton’s and put together the best possible lineup to keep the Yankees in the playoff race. Hence, amid all the chaos, it’s all on Boone to work some magic with the devastated lineup.
The post Crucial Aaron Judge Injury Update Emerges as Yankees Suffer Historic Sweep Without Him appeared first on EssentiallySports.