Yankees’ Aaron Judge delivers an early sign that his elbow is no longer a concern

TAMPA — If Aaron Judge’s elbow were still a concern, he would, in all likelihood, not be about to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic next month.


And whenever Yankees officials have been asked over the offseason about Judge’s physical status, they have insisted that all is well.

But there was further proof Tuesday, when Judge looked strong throwing to bases during a workout at the Yankees player development complex, offering encouragement that he may be back to normal following a scare with a right elbow flexor strain last season.

Judge’s arm strength came under great scrutiny late last year, when it was lacking for the first few weeks after he returned to playing right field following a stint on the injured list.

The captain, whose 89.6 mph average on throws last season ranked in the 85th percentile, only got off two throws harder than 80 mph last September as he protected his elbow.

But he was able to unleash some throws more in line with his usual strength during the playoffs, and said after the ALDS exit he would only need treatment, not surgery, during the offseason.