Aaron Judge Injury Update: Yankees Superstar Eyes Weekend Return, Could Face Orioles Friday

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees were dealt an unexpected blow just hours before first pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, as franchise cornerstone Aaron Judge was scratched from the lineup with what manager Aaron Boone called a “right-elbow issue.” The club announced that its All-Star right fielder is undergoing imaging and further evaluation after experiencing discomfort during pre-game work, fueling immediate concern about his availability for the stretch run and the American League playoff race. ELBOW CONCERN COMES AT CRITICAL POINT Judge, 33, has been on a torrid July pace, carrying a .312 average, nine home runs and a 1.106 OPS over his last 18 games. His absence leaves a massive void in the Yankees’ batting order and in right field defense on a day the club faces NL MVP candidate Bryce Harper and a hard-charging Phillies squad. Boone noted that the injury “popped up late” and that the team is “erring on the side of caution” while waiting on MRI results expected later tonight. IMPACT ON THE YANKEES’ OFFENSE • Judge leads the majors with 37 home runs and ranks third with 87 RBIs. • New York is 46-18 this season when Judge records at least one hit, but only 19-22 when he goes hitless or doesn’t play. • The Yankees’ replacement options in right field include Trent Grisham for defense or Giancarlo Stanton shifting out of the DH spot, moves that would ripple through the lineup card. RECENT HEALTH HISTORY This is the first time Judge has dealt with an elbow flare-up since the bone-chip scare that cost him two weeks in 2022. He entered 2025 healthy after off-season conditioning focused on flexibility and throwing-arm maintenance, making Saturday’s development all the more startling for the organization and its fan base. WHAT’S NEXT Initial tests will determine whether inflammation alone is responsible or whether structural damage exists. If imaging reveals only swelling, Judge could return after a brief rest or a minimal injured-list stint. Structural damage, however, could sideline him for weeks and dramatically reshape the American League East race, where New York currently clings to a 1.5-game lead over Baltimore. LOCKER-ROOM REACTION Teammates expressed optimism but acknowledged the psychological weight of losing their captain: “Judgey is our engine,” said first baseman Anthony Rizzo. “We’ve got depth, but nobody replicates what he gives us on both sides of the ball.” Boone echoed that sentiment, adding, “We’ll know more soon. We’re prepared for any scenario, but we all want 99 back as soon as it’s safe.” FANTASY AND BETTING ANGLE Fantasy managers and bettors should monitor the Yankees’ updates throughout the day. Expect odds to shift toward Philadelphia if Judge is officially ruled out, while power-hitting waiver options such as Rangers OF Wyatt Langford and Rays OF Richie Palacios could be prudent short-term replacements. BOTTOM LINE The Yankees—and the baseball world—now hold their breath awaiting the medical verdict on Aaron Judge’s elbow. His status not only impacts tonight’s marquee interleague matchup but could also reshape the entire postseason landscape as August approaches.