Aaron Judge Sparks Yankees’ Elbow Injury Concerns Amid Anxious Scan Results Wait

Aaron Judge’s Elbow Scare Sends Yankees Into Panic Mode
By Jack Bezants | Updated: 17:33 BST, 26 July 2025

The New York Yankees are holding their breath after superstar Aaron Judge reported concerning elbow pain, casting doubt on his availability and the team’s playoff hopes. Judge, 33, exited Saturday’s lineup against the Philadelphia Phillies following discomfort in his right elbow, first felt during a throw in Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Injury Details and Manager’s Concerns
Manager Aaron Boone revealed Judge felt sharp pain after a throw from right field Tuesday, though he played through it Friday. By then, his ability to throw had deteriorated, prompting imaging scans. The Yankees fear a potential UCL tear, which could require Tommy John surgery—a procedure that might sideline Judge until 2027. “I don’t know,” Boone said when asked about the severity. “We’re waiting for results. It’s a concern.”

Judge, the team’s captain, leads the MLB with 37 home runs this season, making his health critical for the struggling Yankees. They’ve slipped to second in the AL East, six games behind the Blue Jays, and are hovering just one game above the Boston Red Sox. Their recent 12-5 loss to the Phillies highlighted defensive woes, compounded by Judge’s limited mobility in the outfield.

Critical Trade Deadline Looming
The Yankees acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies on Friday to address infield struggles, but Judge’s absence would overshadow this upgrade. McMahon’s debut Saturday offered little solace to fans anxious about their MVP’s status. With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, executives face pressure to bolster the roster—especially if Judge’s injury is long-term.

Boone noted Judge didn’t experience pain while batting but emphasized, “We want to get this checked out. Hopefully, it’s manageable.” A video of Judge wincing post-throw circulated online, underscoring the play that sparked the crisis.

Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance
The Yankees’ slump since May has fans on edge, and losing Judge could derail their season entirely. The slugger’s leadership and offensive firepower are irreplaceable, leaving the team scrambling for solutions. As the club awaits scan results, the next 48 hours will shape their strategy ahead of the deadline.

For now, the Bronx holds its breath—hoping for good news, but bracing for the worst.

[Embedded Tweet: Reporter Max Goodman shares video of Judge’s concerning throw, amplifying fan anxiety.]

Key Points:

• Judge’s elbow scans could determine the Yankees’ postseason trajectory.
• Tommy John surgery might sideline him for over a year.
• The Yankees’ recent trade for McMahon aims to fix defensive issues but won’t offset losing Judge.
• The team’s AL East standing grows precarious amid a late-season slide.

With minimal margin for error, New York’s championship aspirations rest on a shaky foundation—and one pending medical report.