Yankees Star Aaron Judge to Make Spring Training Debut This Weekend

Judge will play right field on Saturday and DH on Sunday as he ramps up for the World Baseball Classic.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 6:23am

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New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge will make his spring training debut this weekend, playing right field on Saturday and serving as the designated hitter on Sunday. Judge is returning from a flexor strain in his right elbow that he dealt with late in the 2025 season. The Yankees are taking a cautious approach with Judge's ramp-up, wanting him to get some game action before he departs for the World Baseball Classic.

Why it matters

Aaron Judge is the Yankees' superstar and the reigning back-to-back American League MVP. His health and availability are critical to the team's success, so the organization is closely monitoring his recovery and return to game action. Fans are eager to see Judge back on the field as the Yankees look to contend for another championship.

The details

Judge has been fully cleared after the 2025 elbow injury and has progressed through his throwing program without any setbacks. The Yankees plan to have him play four or five spring training games before he leaves for the World Baseball Classic. Manager Aaron Boone said the team wants to get Judge some at-bats and time in the field to build up his timing and arm strength before the regular season.

  • Judge will make his spring training debut on Saturday, February 25, 2026.
  • Judge will serve as the designated hitter on Sunday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Aaron Judge

A seven-time MLB All-Star and the reigning back-to-back American League MVP for the New York Yankees.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

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What they’re saying

“Aaron Judge will make his spring debut Saturday in RF, then DH on Sunday.”

— Bryan Hoch, MLB.com reporter

What’s next

The Yankees will continue to monitor Judge's progress throughout spring training as he prepares for the World Baseball Classic. The team is hopeful that he will be fully healthy and ready to go for the start of the 2026 MLB regular season.

The takeaway

The Yankees are taking a cautious approach with Aaron Judge's return to game action, wanting to ensure he is fully healthy and ready to go before the start of the regular season and his participation in the World Baseball Classic. Fans are eager to see the superstar back on the field, as his health and production are crucial to the team's championship aspirations.