Feb 20, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) looks on during work outs at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

While Shohei Ohtani is set to make his highly anticipated spring training debut today, Yankees fans won’t have to wait much longer to see their captain in action. Aaron Judge is officially set to make his Grapefruit League debut this Saturday, March 1, against the Houston Astros at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the news on Thursday. The Yankees have taken a cautious approach with Aaron Judge this spring, ensuring he’s fully rested after an intense 2024 season. The reigning American League MVP played a combined 172 games across the regular season and postseason, helping lead New York to its first World Series appearance since 2009.

Aaron Judge posted a custom pink Yankees glove for his daughter, Nora 💖🥹

(via @TheJudge44) pic.twitter.com/8HkMVPAeFf

— MLB (@MLB) February 27, 2025

Notably, Judge missed time last spring and had a slow April, which, in hindsight, may have cost him an even bigger season. If not for that sluggish start, there’s a real argument that he could have surpassed his historic 62-homer campaign from 2022.

What to expect from Aaron Judge’s spring training debut?

Aaron Judge is expected to start in right field and bat second in the lineup.

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Boone reiterated that there was never any rush to get Judge into spring action earlier, with games beginning on Feb. 21. Given his workload last year, the Yankees prioritized a steady buildup rather than an early debut.

Other Yankees spring training updates

• Giancarlo Stanton remains absent: The Yankees’ designated hitter is currently away from the team for personal reasons with little to no clarity on when he will return.
• Scott Effross injury update: The Yankees reliever, who has battled multiple injuries since joining the team in 2022, suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain during his first spring training outing earlier this week. Medical testing confirmed the injury, which typically requires four to eight weeks of recovery. However, Boone suggested that Effross’ return to game action could take closer to three months.

Judge’s return to the field will be one of the most anticipated moments of the Yankees’ spring training. All rise, it’s almost time!