Yankees Brace for Impact: Aaron Judge's Flexor Strain Sends Shockwaves Through MLB

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Aaron Judge has dominated headlines this past week after landing on the 10-day injured list with a right flexor strain diagnosed Sunday. Yankees manager Aaron Boone characterized the MRI results as “good news,” confirming there’s no UCL tear to threaten Judge’s season—but Judge will need at least 10 days off from throwing and was given a platelet-rich plasma injection, with the hope that he’ll return as the designated hitter immediately after the minimum stint, just in time for his August 13 bobblehead day. He’s been playing through visible discomfort, first noticed after an awkward throw to the infield last Tuesday, which Judge shrugged off in his trademark deadpan while privately advocating to keep playing rather than hit the IL. As he admitted to reporters, hitting’s less of an issue; gripping while throwing is where the pain has flared up, a nuance that hints at optimism for a quick rebound, but also a reason for caution as the Yankees eye a deep playoff run. Fangraphs emphasized Boone’s relief and the decision not to pursue further outfield depth at the trade deadline, focusing instead on pitching needs.

On the field, Judge’s absence leaves a glaring hole. His July has been frigid, batting just .143 over a nine-game stretch, but on the season he’s still the best hitter in the sport, slashing .342 with 37 home runs and 85 RBI—living up to every dollar of his captain’s extension. Sports Illustrated highlighted the fantasy baseball fallout, dismissing any notion of fully replacing his production, with the Yankees shuffling both outfield and DH options. Jasson Dominguez and Trent Grisham now see center field duties, Giancarlo Stanton could even return to the outfield for the first time since 2023, and the roster was bolstered with the trade for versatile infielder Amed Rosario. Spencer Jones was rumored as a potential call-up, but his own health setbacks derailed that plan, as reported by SI and local beat writers.

Off the diamond, Judge made waves on July 28 with a viral moment, towering over Luka Doncic during a much-buzzed-about meet-and-greet inside Yankee Stadium—a social media frenzy observed by Athlon Sports and the YES Network. New York sports Instagram streams buzzed over his lineup absence, amplifying fan anxiety just as the Yanks cling to second place behind Toronto, with a 57-48 record and the division lead slipping away. There is some debate about the injury’s severity—Foul Territory’s Will Carroll suggested the flexor strain may be more worrying than the team lets on, particularly given Judge’s size and throwing mechanics, but at this moment there’s no confirmed evidence of a long-term setback. There were no major personal controversies, endorsements, or business announcements from Judge this week, though fans and insiders alike are laser-focused on his rapid recovery and return to MVP form—because if the Yankees captain can’t grip, all of baseball will have to hold its breath.

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