New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge will participate fully when the team's full-squad workouts begin Monday, manager Aaron Boone confirmed Sunday. The reigning two-time American League MVP was limited late last season by a flexor strain in his right elbow that restricted his throwing ability.

The injury forced Judge to the injured list in late July, and he returned exclusively as a designated hitter before gradually working back into right field. While his arm strength improved over time, culminating in a 90.2 mph throw during the postseason, the injury clearly impacted his defensive play. An MRI after the season showed no need for surgery.

Judge is expected to play right field for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, with possible designated hitter days mixed in. The Yankees' WBC participants, including Judge, face an accelerated timeline with earlier live pitching and more rigorous workouts than typical for mid-February. Boone emphasized a careful approach to building up Judge's workload, stating, "I want to make sure I up it as safely as we can."