Judge (elbow) on schedule; what about rest of rehabbing Yanks?

NEW YORK -- Aaron Judge let his arm do the talking during the American League Division Series last October, uncorking a 90.2 mph throw from right field in the opener against the Blue Jays that signaled his right flexor injury was no longer a concern.

That progress has continued into the winter, according to manager Aaron Boone, who said the Yankees’ captain is “doing really well” as he prepares for the 2026 season and his upcoming commitment with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

“He has ramped up his throwing program a little bit more because he’s getting ready for the WBC, so he’s ahead of the game moreso than he even normally is, from a throwing standpoint,” Boone said. “But I know it’s going really well for him. He feels ready to go right away in camp.”

Judge sustained the injury while making a throw at Rogers Centre in late July, resulting in a brief stint on the injured list. He returned as a designated hitter on Aug. 5 at Texas, but did not play the outfield until Sept. 5.

Though there was concern after Judge delivered a one-hop, 73.2 mph lob during the AL Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, Judge showed full strength in Game 1 of the ALDS, making a 90.2 mph throw to third base on an Anthony Santander single. That throw exceeded his season average of 89.6 mph.

“He looks great,” Boone said.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman also provided an update on shortstop Anthony Volpe, who is rehabbing in Tampa following surgery to repair a partially torn left labrum that was performed after the ALDS.

Cashman declined to provide a specific timetable for Volpe’s return, but he has previously said that the organization does not expect him back in April. José Caballero is viewed as the leading candidate to serve as the Opening Day shortstop.

“I’m here in Tampa, and I see Anthony every day,” Cashman said. “He’s doing great. His rehab is doing well. He’s in good spirits, and he’s looking forward to getting back and joining us when he’s 110 percent so we can deploy him properly. But so far, so good. No issues.

“ … He’s here, working his tail off as expected, with a smile on his face and fully committed. So we look forward to him rejoining us at shortstop at some point, sooner than later.”

Carlos Rodón (left elbow surgery in October) and Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery in March) are among the club’s other key rehab cases. Cashman said Rodón is already in Tampa, and Cole will be arriving soon.

“These are super competitors,” Cashman said. “If anything, you’ve got to try to slow them down and protect them from themselves, because they always want to do more sooner than later. They always feel like they’re capable of doing things quicker than their timelines. You’re dealing with these alpha dogs that are ready to conquer the world at all times.”

Rodón said last week at the Baseball Writers’ Association of America dinner that he has begun throwing regularly as he works toward a return.

“I’ve been throwing a lot lately, just trying to lube up the elbow and get it going for the season,” Rodón told Foul Territory.

While Rodón will begin the year on the injured list, the left-hander is expected to pitch in Grapefruit League games as he targets a late April/early May return.

“I have a lot more extension,” Rodón said. “I couldn’t really bend my elbow very much. I couldn’t button my shirt before, so that was interesting. Now I can do that.”

Cole has been targeting a May or June return to the Majors. He threw several bullpens in New York before traveling home to California in November, according to pitching coach Matt Blake.

“He’s been kind of ramping up back out there,” Blake said last week on YES Network’s Hot Stove. “Things have been crisp. The delivery looks [to be] in a good spot. He’s responding well, so we’re making good progress right now.”