Judge update on throwing progression

Judge's throwing progression continues but Boone cautions full throwing is unlikely for 2025.

Judge unlikely to throw normally in 2025 Boone says

The New York Yankees are proceeding with Aaron Judge's throwing progression after a right arm flexor strain. Manager Aaron Boone told WFAN and the Talkin' Yanks podcast that the team aims to balance Judge's throwing ability with protection for his arm, moving from catch and throw to throws from 150 feet as part of a rehab plan. He indicated Judge is unlikely to play right field in the two-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays and did not commit to field work in the four-game set vs the Boston Red Sox, suggesting a cautious return path for 2025.

Since landing on the injured list on July 22 in Toronto, Judge has played 11 games since returning as a designated hitter and posted an OPS of .855 with two homers, a double and six RBIs. Bat speed remains steady at 76.9 mph, but his contact quality metrics have slipped. His post-injury wOBA dropped from .498 to .363, while average exit velocity fell from 95.7 mph to 92.5 mph and his barrel rate tumbled from 27.3% to 11.5%. Giancarlo Stanton will start at right field in Tuesday's game as Judge remains sidelined from the outfield.

The club also noted no acute UCL injury on imaging, and Judge's return to the outfield remains uncertain. The storyline echoes past injuries in the Yankees' spectrum, including the 2019 elbow issue with Aaron Hicks, which later required season-long rehab and surgery. The team is facing a slowly rebuilding path rather than a quick fix.

Boone’s update reflects a broader shift in how teams manage star players returning from arm trouble. The priority is safety and long-term health, not a quick-on return that could widen the risk of lasting damage. If Judge cannot throw without limitations, the Yankees will need to lean on the lineup around him and adjust defensive assignments, which could affect their push for a playoff berth.

This situation also highlights the tension between available data and on-field intuition. Judge’s bat speed remains solid, but the drop in contact quality and a noticeable fall in power metrics could erode his overall value if the throwing issue limits his range or furthers the risk of re-injury. The coming weeks will reveal whether a slower, safer ramp can preserve Judge for a meaningful late-season contribution or if the team must plan for an extended absence from full defensive duties.

Highlights

A cautious path may shape the season more than a glory swing.