Judge Evita Cirugía, Rodón Down: Yankees Worry MLB

Aaron Judge Avoids Surgery, Rodón Undergoes Operation

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge will not need surgery on his elbow. However, left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón underwent surgery this week and is expected to miss Opening Day. Judge, who suffered an injury to the flexor tendon in his right elbow in July, will not require surgery according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone. An MRI performed after the team’s elimination last week revealed that surgery was not necessary.

He will take some time off and continue doing strengthening and rehabilitation exercises.

Aaron Boone

Judge, 33, led the Major Leagues in batting average (.331), OPS (1.144) and WAR (9.7), finishing 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 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. His season start is expected to be delayed a couple of weeks. Rodón, who will turn 33 in December, had an 18-9 record with a 3.09 ERA. Boone also reported that batter Giancarlo Stanton does not need surgery on his elbows.

He’s in a pretty good spot. He’ll treat it and everything, but nothing is expected for Big G.

Aaron Boone

Gerrit Cole, 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 an American League Division Series in four games to the Blue Jays.

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

After losing to the Dodgers in the 2024 World Series, New York started the season with a 35-20 record, then had a 25-34 slump due to their bullpen’s struggles, and finally closed with 34-14, losing the American League East Division to Toronto in a tiebreaker. Boone’s contract extends until 2027.

He is one of the best managers. Because of our environment, he is someone who can be questioned 10 million times.

Brian Cashman

Among the potential free agents, Cashman said the Yankees would like to retain Cody Bellinger.

We would love to have him on our team in the future.

Brian Cashman

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 position and that hitting coach James Rowson was allowed to interview for the Minnesota manager position.