Aaron Judge takes big step toward Yankees outfield return

Nearly five hours before first pitch Sunday, Aaron Judge took an important step in his return to the field.

The Yankees captain threw from right field to second base for the first time, viewed as a key and possibly last step in his throwing progression as he comes back from a flexor strain.

He was not exactly letting it rip, though he said earlier this week he expects there to come a time when he will be able to do that this season.

Before Sunday, Judge had stretched out to playing catch from 150 feet, but had been repeating that step for over a week while continuing to be limited to DH duties.

It remains to be seen whether Judge needs just one day of throwing to bases or if he will repeat that in the coming days before being cleared to play the field.

In the meantime, Giancarlo Stanton has been forced into action in right field on a semi-regular basis, with the Yankees risking injury there to get his hot bat in the lineup.