Aaron Judge Still Searching for His Swing After Return From Elbow Injury

Aaron Judge’s return hasn’t been perfect, but he’s getting closer. 

Since coming off the 10-day injured list with a right elbow flexor strain, Judge has served exclusively as the Yankees’ designated hitter. In five games, he’s gone 3-for-15 (.200) with three singles and one RBI. His .337 batting average through Sunday is his lowest since April 7, when he was hitting .325.

Manager Aaron Boone said Judge has been throwing and could return to the outfield at some point this week. That would allow Giancarlo Stanton to move back to DH, where his bat has been the steady force the Yankees need. 

While Judge was sidelined, Stanton quietly carried one of the more reliable bats in the Yankees’ lineup. Since late July, he’s hitting .270 with eight home runs, 17 RBI and an .855 OPS. On Saturday, Stanton made his first start in right field since September 2023, playing six innings without incident. He also stayed in the game defensively after a pinch-hit appearance Sunday.

Boone said the decision to sit Stanton on Sunday, the day after his outfield return, was about preservation rather than injury. Lower-body issues have disrupted much of Stanton’s career, and the Yankees are determined to avoid setbacks.

Getting Judge back to the outfield would ease that burden, letting Stanton stay fresh while keeping both sluggers in the lineup at the same time. With the Yankees fighting to hold onto an American League wild-card spot, that combination matters.

Judge’s bat has yet to heat up since his return, but Boone believes it’s only a matter of time. If Judge can find his swing again and Stanton continues to produce, the Yankees’ offense could finally resemble the dangerous version they envisioned in spring training.