The New York Yankees’ playoff run is already under a microscope, but now another problem has come into focus—Aaron Judge’s throwing arm. According to Baseball America’s J.J. Cooper, the Yankees’ captain is not close to full strength since returning from a flexor strain in late July. That reality may have already cost New York in its Wild Card opener against Boston, and it could linger throughout the postseason.
Judge’s Throwing Numbers Tell the Story
In Tuesday’s Game 1 loss to the Red Sox, a seventh-inning sequence revealed just how compromised Judge’s arm is. Nick Sogard singled to right, and instead of stopping at first, he turned on the jets and went for second. Normally, a right fielder with Judge’s size, power, and pre-injury reputation would have held him in place. But Judge’s throw registered at just 73.2 mph, traveling only 137 feet before bouncing weakly to the bag. Sogard slid in safely and later scored on a Masataka Yoshida hit.
That single run completely altered the inning. Boston did not record another hit, but the tally stood as the go-ahead run in a narrow game. As Cooper explained, “This is a perfect example of how little moments can change playoff series.”
The contrast between Judge’s arm before and after his injury is stark. Prior to the strain, his max throw reached 95.3 mph, and he routinely unleashed throws over 90. Since his return, he has topped 80 mph just twice, with the September 24 throw of 85.8 mph standing as his hardest effort. More often, he’s been stuck in the low to mid-70s. That velocity ranks at the very bottom of all qualified MLB outfielders—only five averaged under 80 mph this year, and just one under 77.
Yankees’ Dilemma in Right Field
The problem isn’t just the numbers; it’s the roster construction. Judge remains one of the game’s best hitters, the very reason the Yankees surged back into contention after his return. He also continues to cover ground well in right field, robbing Nathaniel Lowe with a diving snag to end the same inning against Boston. But every time a runner dares to take an extra base, New York’s opponents are reminded that Judge’s arm is not a deterrent anymore.
In an ideal world, Judge could shift into the designated hitter role, preserving his bat without exposing his arm. The trouble is that Giancarlo Stanton is locked into that spot. Stanton’s limitations in the outfield and history of injuries make it risky to push him back into regular defensive duty. That leaves manager Aaron Boone juggling two imperfect scenarios: an injured-armed but rangy Judge in right, or a hobbled Stanton lumbering around the grass.
For now, Boone appears committed to keeping Judge in the field. The Yankees have no real alternatives unless they’re willing to sacrifice offense or risk another major injury. That means the captain will play through the pain, but every throw across the diamond could shape the Yankees’ October.
The Yankees have always relied on Judge to change games with his bat, but his defense has long been underrated. Losing the ability to keep baserunners honest represents a hidden cost that might not show up in box scores but could decide a series. Against teams like the Red Sox—who are aggressive on the basepaths—those extra 90 feet matter.
Judge is still the face of the franchise and its most dangerous weapon at the plate. But until his arm strength returns, the Yankees are dealing with a superstar whose biggest weakness is visible to everyone on the field.
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