Aaron Judge returned to right field for the New York Yankees on Friday after missing more than six weeks with a right flexor strain. His return came during a 7-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.
Judge was tested early in his first defensive appearance since July 25, appearing hesitant to throw at full strength on a play in the first inning. Instead of challenging a runner at home plate, he threw to second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., allowing Daulton Varsho to score uncontested.
“Everything is feeling pretty good, so if you can throw, you’ve got to get out there,” Judge said after the game.
The Yankees’ loss put them four games behind the Blue Jays in the American League East. New York has struggled against Toronto this season, with a 3-8 record in their matchups so far.
“They’ve certainly had our number to this point,” manager Aaron Boone said.
On the play involving Judge’s throw, Blue Jays manager John Schneider noted that uncertainty around Judge’s recovery influenced third-base coach Carlos Febles’ decision: “Going into it, I know it’s his first game back in the outfield and there was a little bit of an unknown with how he was going to respond. We wanted to test it.”
Boone addressed questions about any throwing limitations for Judge: “He’s playing. He’s in there. He’s good enough to be in there. And hopefully it will continue to improve.”
Rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler struggled early, lasting just 1 2/3 innings and throwing 66 pitches as Toronto scored three runs in the opening frame.
“It’s frustrating,” Schlittler said. “The biggest thing is, we’re playing a division rival. You can’t go 1 2/3 innings.”
Giancarlo Stanton provided one highlight for New York with his 19th home run of the season and 448th career homer, moving him closer to Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and Jeff Bagwell on MLB’s all-time list.
“He pitched really effectively with the lead,” Boone said about Toronto starter Kevin Gausman, who allowed four hits and struck out five over seven innings.
Judge acknowledged responsibility for another miscue later in the game when he and Chisholm miscommunicated on Bo Bichette’s popup: “That’s just on me. I’ve got to take control there.”
Boone indicated that while Judge has been cleared by trainers for outfield duty, they plan not to use him every day initially: “I don’t plan on going every day with him initially.” This could allow Stanton more opportunities for outfield starts as well.
Judge remains one of the leading candidates for his third American League MVP Award this year due to his offensive production through Friday (.322/.442/.661 slash line with 43 home runs and 97 RBIs).
While Boone previously suggested that Judge might not regain full arm strength before season’s end—a claim Judge challenged—Friday’s events have kept concerns active within the team staff regarding his readiness.
“He’s a great right fielder,” Boone said. “So we weigh it, and we make a decision based on how he’s doing and what we think gives us the best chance to win.”
