Aaron Judge Avoids Surgery, Rodón Undergoes Operation, and Stanton Recovers
The star player for the New York Yankees, Aaron Judge, will not need to undergo surgery on his elbow. However, left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón underwent surgery this week, which could delay his participation at the start of the season. 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, it was determined that surgery was not necessary.Judge, who led MLB 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 a home run, 7 RBIs, and 4 walks. Boone expects Judge to be New York’s starting right fielder in 2026 and downplayed the possibility 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 trim 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. Regarding Giancarlo Stanton, Boone reported that he doesn’t 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 the American League Division Series in four games against the Blue Jays.He will take some time off and continue to strengthen and rehabilitate. He finished the season in a pretty good place, with continuous improvements.
Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
After losing to the Dodgers in the 2024 World Series, New York started the season 35-20, had a bad 25-34 stretch due to bullpen issues, 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 desire to retain Cody Bellinger, who is a potential free agent. 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 role. Cashman 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 be interviewed for the Minnesota manager position.You have to play at the highest level at the most important moment, and you have to maintain that throughout the month of October.
Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
