Aaron Judge Avoids Surgery, Rodón Undergoes Operation
The New York Yankees’ star outfielder, Aaron Judge, has avoided 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. Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that an MRI performed after the team’s elimination last week revealed that surgery was not required.
He will take some time off and continue doing strengthening and rehabilitation exercises.
Judge, 33 years old, led the Major Leagues in batting average (.331), OPS (1.144) and WAR (9.7), in addition to hitting 53 home runs and driving in 114 runs. 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 of the two-time American League Most Valuable Player playing 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 take eight weeks to return to throwing, which will delay the start of his season by a couple of weeks, according to Boone.
Rodón, who will turn 33 in December, had an 18-9 record with a 3.09 ERA.
Boone also reported that designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton does not need surgery on his elbows and is in good shape.
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 a four-game American League Division Series against the Blue Jays.
Boone, who has been manager since the 2018 season, highlighted the importance of performing at the highest level in crucial moments and maintaining that performance throughout the month of October.
After losing to the Dodgers in the 2024 World Series, New York started the season 35-20, had a slump during a 25-34 stretch due to the struggles of its bullpen, then closed 34-14 and lost the American League East Division to Toronto in a tiebreaker.
Boone’s contract extends until 2027.
General manager Brian Cashman expressed his confidence in Boone, highlighting his ability to handle pressure and scrutiny.
Cashman mentioned that the Yankees would like to retain Cody Bellinger, who is a free agent.
Additionally, it was confirmed that bullpen coach Mike Harkey and first base/infield coach Travis Chapman will not return for 2026. Hitting coach assistant Pat Roessler will leave his position and Jake Hirst, minor league hitting coordinator, will take over that role.
Cashman also added that third base coach Luis Rojas received permission to be interviewed for the Baltimore manager position and that hitting coach James Rowson was allowed to interview for the Minnesota manager position.
