Yankees' Aaron Boone Addresses Unexpected Aaron Judge Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 7:25 PM ET

Right-handed slugger Aaron Judge is in his tenth season with the New York Yankees after making his MLB debut in 2016.

The 33-year-old superstar established himself as one of baseball’s best hitters in his first full season in 2017, winning AL Rookie of the Year unanimously and finishing second in MVP voting.

He’s since become the face of the franchise, collecting two MVP awards, four Silver Slugger awards and seven All-Star selections. Over 1,094 games in the Bronx, he owns a .293 lifetime batting average and a 1.025 OPS. In 2022, Judge set the American League single-season home run record with 62 long balls, surpassing Roger Maris’ mark of 61 from 1961.

After that historic campaign, he signed a nine-year, $360 million deal to keep him in pinstripes throughout the prime of his career.

During the seventh inning of Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Judge appeared to wince in pain while tracking down a ball in right field, and in Wednesday’s series finale he was moved to designated hitter.

Manager Aaron Boone downplayed any concern, insisting before the game that is not why Judge was moved to DH, “Just probably a throw that didn’t feel great.”

Asked Aaron Judge about the clip below. He said he's fine and noted that he didn't come out of the game and has gotten DH days at Rogers Centre before (turf).

Aaron Boone said this isn't why Judge is DH'ing today. "Just probably a throw that didn't feel great," Boone said. He… https://t.co/hTSFYiKv6k
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) July 23, 2025

After the Blue Jays’ July surge, the Yankees enter Wednesday’s matchup trailing by three games in a tight AL East race.

Judge’s availability has been crucial throughout his decade in pinstripes. In 101 games this season, he’s continued to dominate—leading the American League with a .346 batting average and a 1.168 OPS.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: