Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Sunday that Judge is "moving in a pretty good direction" with his throwing program as he continues to recover from a right elbow flexor strain, and the skipper is "optimistic" that the 33-year-old will resume playing the outfield soon, Max Goodman of NJ.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After returning to the lineup Tuesday as the designated hitter, Judge was cleared to resume playing catch a day later. He'll gradually increase the distance and intensity of his throwing over the next several days, but Boone was unwilling to put a timeline on when the two-time American League MVP might be ready for defensive duties. In the meantime, Judge will serve as a full-time DH. He's gone 3-for-12 with three walks, an RBI and two runs in his first four starts since returning from the IL.