Aaron Judge's Injury Scare Turns Out Positive for Yankees
The New York Yankees received a wave of relief when medical evaluations confirmed that Aaron Judge’s recent injury scare was not as serious as initially feared. Judge had to leave the game early after being struck on his left hand by a pitch.
X-rays and CT Scans Clear Judge of Serious Injury
Following the incident, Judge exited the game in the inning following the hit-by-pitch. Given Judge’s history of injuries from similar situations, concerns immediately surfaced about the potential severity. In 2018, Judge had missed nearly two months due to a similar injury, which made this latest incident even more alarming for the Yankees and their fans.
However, subsequent medical tests, including X-rays and CT scans, revealed no fractures in Judge's left hand. This news brought immense relief to both the team and Judge himself, who expressed his relief post-game. "Finding out that it’s not fractured, it’s not broken, is definitely a sigh of relief," Judge said. "Feeling better after we got some good news."
Judge’s Stellar Performance This Season
This season, Judge has been performing at an MVP level, boasting a slash line of .302/.428/.687. He leads the league in several key statistical categories, making his contributions invaluable to the Yankees' success. Judge’s extraordinary performance has been a cornerstone for the team, which has managed to stay competitive despite the various injuries plaguing the roster.
Judge's absence would be keenly felt in the lineup, especially given the current state of the Yankees' outfield.
Outfield Depth Tested Amidst Injuries
The Yankees have faced a slew of injuries that have tested their outfield depth. Jasson Domínguez recently suffered an oblique injury, and the Yankees are still awaiting his test results. Moreover, Everson Pereira underwent season-ending elbow surgery. These setbacks have stretched the team’s resources thin, emphasizing the importance of Judge’s health.
If Judge were to miss any playing time, Trent Grisham would likely fill the gap in center field. Moreover, Anthony Rizzo’s injury further compounds the Yankees' challenges. Rizzo is sidelined for eight weeks due to a broken bone in his right arm, making the Yankees' outfield situation even more precarious.
Upcoming Returns and League Standing
Amidst the team’s injury woes, the Yankees have also had encouraging signs of resilience. Gerrit Cole is set to return to the rotation on Wednesday, providing a much-needed boost to the pitching staff. This resilience was evident in Tuesday's win, which improved the Yankees' record to 51-24 and extended their lead in the AL East. The Orioles, currently in second place, have a 47-25 record, trailing the Yankees by 2.5 games.
The Yankees’ ability to maintain their lead despite multiple setbacks reflects their depth and determination. With stars returning and the team’s fortitude on display, the Yankees seem poised to continue their success.
Broader MLB Injury Landscape
The Yankees are not alone in dealing with injuries across Major League Baseball. The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently missing Mookie Betts, who is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks. This broader context underscores the unpredictable nature of the season and the importance of depth and resilience for teams vying for top spots in their respective leagues.
For the Yankees, Aaron Judge’s positive medical news is incredibly encouraging. The organization will continue to rely on their depth, including potential contributions from the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, to overcome these challenges.
As Yankees fans eagerly look forward to seeing Judge back on the field, his recent health scare serves as a reminder of his importance to the team’s success. Quote: "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 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." - Aaron Judge