The New York Yankees superstar may be entering a new era.
New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge got off to a relatively slow start after his return from injury on August 5, but he's heating up at the perfect time. Although the 33-year-old is slashing just .229/.426/.429 in the month thus far, he's 3-for-6 with a homer, two RBI, four walks, and two runs scored over the last two games.
The Yankees swept the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium and are now tied with the Boston Red Sox for second place in the AL East. Both New York, Boston, and the Seattle Mariners are also tied for the AL's top Wild Card spot and are three games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians.
However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed unfortunate news about Judge before Tuesday's bout with the Tampa Bay Rays, via WFAN660.
"I don't think we're going to see him back to throwing like he normally does at any point this year," he said. "We're trying to get through where he can let it go with ease and be able to protect himself."
Judge went down with an elbow injury in late July and hasn't played the field since. The two-time AL MVP has taken Giancarlo Stanton's designated hitter spot, forcing the latter player to the outfield for the first time since 2023.
On Aaron Judge, Aaron Boone said "I don't think we're going to see him back to throwing like he normally does at any point this year." @WFAN660
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) August 19, 2025
"We're trying to get through where he can let it go with ease and be able to protect himself."
Meanwhile, New York fans are worried about the injury-prone Stanton regularly playing defense. That's why many of them are suggesting for Judge to learn first base, similar to Bryce Harper. This would allow Stanton to go back to the designated hitter spot.
"Might as well start getting the first base mitt broken in for Judge because that's where he’s going to finish his career, just like Bryce Harper," one fan said.
"Get that man some reps at 1B this offseason because his wingspan would be sick at 1B and he can save his elbows," another said.
"Bryce Harper career path," another said.
"Judge at 1st next year and have [Cody] Belli[nger], [Jasson] Dominguez and [Spencer] Jones in the outfield?" another asked.
"Put him at first base?????" another asked.
"1B next season then," another said.
A Bryce Harper Arc Would Make Sense for Aaron Judge
Like Judge, Harper was an outfielder for the majority of his career until he tore his UCL in May 2022. The Philadelphia Phillies star then got Tommy John surgery that November, and he's been a first baseman/designated hitter ever since.
Although Judge has historically had a strong arm, his bat is what makes him a future Hall of Famer. Using his 6-foot-7-inch frame at first base would still add to his value, so it's a worthy experiment for the Yankees moving forward.
Related: Yankees Star Aaron Judge Makes Personal History Against Cardinals
Related: Giancarlo Stanton’s 5-Word Message After Third Straight Absence From Yankees’ Lineup
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Category: Baseball
