Judge's throwing ability may be affected for the remainder of the 2025 season, and the timing of his return to the outfield is still uncertain.

Despite Aaron Judge still working his way back from a right hamstring strain that put the Yankees captain on the IL at the end of last month, manager Aaron Boone mentioned in a radio interview today that Judge's throwing could be compromised for the remainder of the season.

"We're doing everything we can to get him back to a place where he can throw comfortably and protect himself," Boone said on WFAN radio. "I don't think we'll see him reach his usual throwing level at any point this year, but that's okay. We just need him to feel ready to play, stay protected, and perform at his best."

Prior to today's game against the Rays, Judge continued his throwing program at George M. Steinbrenner Field, and later pushed back on the notion that his throwing might not return to 100% this year.

"I'm not sure why he said that," Judge responded. "He hasn't seen me throw in two weeks. I'm very confident I'll get back to full strength."

Boone clarified his comments when speaking to reporters before today's game.

"I think what I meant was, I don't expect him to be making the kind of throws we're used to seeing from Aaron Judge right when he returns," Boone explained.

Boone said he doesn't anticipate Judge returning to the outfield during the Rays series, but left open the possibility of Judge playing outfield during the four-game set against the Red Sox in New York starting Friday.

Judge has increased his throwing distance to 150 feet, even though he hasn't made throws to the bases yet. Judge said he's not worried about making full-strength throws and compared his recovery to someone dealing with a pulled hamstring.

"I'm not foolish, so I'll be cautious and make sure we don't make things worse," Judge said. "We still have August, September, and October ahead. I need to be in all those games, so I have to be smart about it."

Judge was injured on July 22 in Toronto, when TV replays showed him grimacing after making a throw from right field. He stayed in that game and played two more against the Blue Jays and Phillies before landing on the IL on July 27.

The Yankees said at the time that imaging showed Judge's ulnar collateral ligament had "no acute damage." Judge returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on August 5 in Texas, and has played 11 games since, slashing .229/.426/.429 (8 hits in 35 at-bats), including one double, two home runs, and six RBIs.

"We're headed in the right direction," Judge said.

Giancarlo Stanton will start in right field today; after playing three straight games as the right fielder against the Twins from August 11-13, Stanton had just one pinch-hit appearance in last weekend's series in St. Louis.

The team has been cautious with Stanton, noting that he has struggled to recover after playing defense in the outfield. The Yankees originally planned for Stanton to play outfield against the Rays on Wednesday, but he won't tomorrow.

"I spoke with him on Monday and we set up a plan," Boone said. "We talked about him playing one of these two games and felt the first game was the best option."

On Wednesday, the Yankees activated utility man Amed Rosario and placed left-hander Brent Headrick on the 15-day injured list with a left forearm contusion. Catcher J.C. Escarra was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday.