Aaron Judge Avoids Surgery, Rodón Undergoes Operation, and Stanton in Good Shape
The star player of the New York Yankees, Aaron Judge, will not need to undergo surgery on his elbow, encouraging news for fans. However, left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón underwent surgery this week and is expected to miss Opening Day. Judge suffered an injury to the flexor tendon in his right elbow in July, which limited his ability to throw. After an MRI performed after the team’s elimination last week, it was determined that surgery was not necessary, according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone.Judge, who led the league in batting average (.331), OPS (1.144), and WAR (9.7), finished the season with 53 home runs and 114 RBIs. In the postseason, he batted .500 with 1 home run, 7 RBIs, and 4 walks. Boone expects Judge to be New York’s starting right fielder in 2026 and downplayed the idea that the two-time American League Most Valuable Player could play first base. Rodón underwent surgery by Dr. Neal ElAttrache to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and eliminate a bone spur. He is expected to be out for eight weeks without throwing, which will delay the start of his season by a couple of weeks, according to Boone. In addition, Boone reported that designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton does not need surgery on his elbows, and that he is in good condition. Gerrit Cole, who is returning from Tommy John surgery in March, will throw gently from the mound next week and could be available shortly after Opening Day. New York, with 27 World Series titles, hasn’t won since 2009. After defeating the Red Sox in the American League Wild Card Series, the Yankees lost the American League Division Series in four games against the Blue Jays.He will take some time off and continue to strengthen and rehabilitate. But I felt he ended the season in a pretty good place, as we saw continued improvement with him.
Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
Boone’s contract extends until 2027. Regarding free agency, General Manager Brian Cashman indicated that the Yankees want to retain Cody Bellinger. The technical staff will also undergo changes, as bullpen coach Mike Harkey and first base/infield coach Travis Chapman will not return for 2026. Assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler will not continue in that role, and Jake Hirst, minor league hitting coordinator, will assume that function. Cashman added that third base coach Luis Rojas received permission to interview for the Baltimore manager position and that hitting coach James Rowson was authorized to interview for the Minnesota manager position.It’s about playing at the highest level at the most important moment, and you have to maintain that and do it throughout the month of October.
Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
