Aaron Judge's Injury Scare Turns Out Positive for Yankees
A collective sigh of relief echoed through the New York Yankees organization and their fan base as Aaron Judge, their star outfielder, received positive news following a recent injury scare. Judge had to exit the game early after being struck on his left hand by a pitch, raising immediate concerns given his history of similar injuries. However, medical evaluations have brought good news, revealing no fractures.
X-rays and CT Scans Clear Judge of Serious Injury
Judge left the game an inning after the hit-by-pitch incident, sparking worries due to his past encounters with injuries from similar situations. In 2018, Judge missed nearly two months after suffering a similar injury. However, this time around, X-rays and CT scans showed no fractures in Judge's left hand. Post-game, Judge expressed immense relief, stating, "Feeling better. Feeling better after we got some good news. X-rays, CT scans came back negative. We're in a good spot. A big relief. Being hit there before a couple of years ago and breaking the wrist (in 2018), you don't know what's going to happen. Finding out that it’s not fractured, it’s not broken, is definitely a sigh of relief."
Judge’s Stellar Performance This Season
This season, Judge has been performing at an extraordinary level, playing at an MVP-caliber. He boasts a slash line of .302/.428/.687 and leads the league in several key statistics. His contributions have been pivotal to the Yankees' success, and his presence in the lineup is crucial for the team’s continued performance. The news of his injury scare turned positive ensures that the Yankees can count on their star player to continue leading the charge.
Outfield Depth Tested Amidst Injuries
The Yankees’ outfield depth has been significantly tested due to multiple injuries. Jasson Domínguez recently suffered an oblique injury, and the Yankees are currently awaiting his test results. Additionally, Everson Pereira underwent season-ending elbow surgery. The Yankees have prided themselves on their depth and prospect talent, but these injuries have certainly tested their resources.
If Judge had missed playing time, Trent Grisham would have been expected to fill the gap in center field. Unfortunately, the outfield has already been weakened with Anthony Rizzo's injury, who is sidelined for eight weeks due to a broken bone in his right arm. Judge’s potential absence would have further strained the lineup, making this positive update even more crucial for the Yankees.
Upcoming Returns and League Standing
Amidst the injuries, the Yankees are looking forward to some positive developments. Gerrit Cole, one of their star pitchers, is set to return to the rotation on Wednesday. Tuesday's win showcased the Yankees' resilience as they improved their record to 51-24, extending their lead in the AL East. The Orioles currently hold second place with a 47-25 record, trailing the Yankees by 2.5 games. These standings reflect the Yankees' depth and resilience, despite the setbacks they’ve faced.
Broader MLB Injury Landscape
The injury plight is not exclusive to the Yankees. The Los Angeles Dodgers are also dealing with a significant setback as they miss the services of Mookie Betts for 6-8 weeks. Like the Dodgers, the Yankees hope for speedy recoveries for their injured stars and will rely on their depth to maintain their success. Aaron Judge's positive medical news is encouraging for the team.
The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, may become crucial in providing essential depth as the main team navigates through these injuries. Yankees fans eagerly anticipate seeing Judge back in action, bolstering the lineup with his remarkable performance.
In a season where resilience and depth are tested continuously, Aaron Judge's return to health is a beacon of hope for the New York Yankees. As one of the league's standout performers, his presence not only lifts the team's prospects but also reassures fans and management alike. With Judge back, the Yankees will look to solidify their lead in the AL East and push towards a successful season.