Aaron Judge Avoids Surgery, Rodón Undergoes Operation, and Stanton in Good Shape
The New York Yankees’ star outfielder, Aaron Judge, will not need to undergo surgery on his elbow. However, left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón had 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 throws. Yankees manager Aaron Boone reported that an MRI performed after the team’s elimination last week revealed that “surgery will not be necessary.”Judge, who led in batting average (.331), OPS (1.144), and WAR (9.7), finished 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 on Wednesday to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and eliminate a bone spur. He is expected to take eight weeks to return to throwing, and the start of his season will be delayed a couple of weeks, according to Boone. Boone also indicated that designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton will not need surgery on his elbows.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
Gerrit Cole, who is returning from Tommy John surgery in March, will throw gently from a mound next week and could be available shortly after Opening Day. New York, with 27 World Series titles, hasn’t won any since 2009. After defeating the Red Sox in the American League Wild Card Series, the Yankees lost a four-game American League Division Series to the Blue Jays. Boone’s contract extends until 2027. General manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees would like to retain Cody Bellinger. Bullpen coach Mike Harkey and first base/infield coach Travis Chapman will not return for 2026. Assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler will not be in that position, and minor league hitting coordinator Jake Hirst will take over that job. Cashman added that third base coach Luis Rojas was given permission to interview for the Baltimore manager vacancy and that hitting coach James Rowson was allowed to interview for the Minnesota manager position.He’s in a pretty good spot. He’ll treat it and everything, but nothing is expected for Big G.
Aaron Boone
