Aaron Judge Likely To Skip A Few Games, Hints Yankees Manager! Is Form Slump Bothering The Captain?

Aaron Judge

Desiree Rios/The New York Times

The New York Yankees’ formidable slugger, Aaron Judge, is the epitome of towering home runs. Last season, he got the record for hitting the most homers in a single season under his name by tossing as many as 62 hits. That historic feat not only earned him an MVP award but also the captaincy of the most successful sports franchise in the world.

However, this season, the captain is probably feeling the heat. For starters, he has to prove his worth to the team as he sits on a whopping $360 million contract. Moreover, as the captain, the responsibility to carry the team to the World Series title falls on his shoulders. Hence, it seems that all this additional pressure is taking a toll on his form as the lineup’s primary slugger.

   

Aaron Judge Likely To Take A Day On The Bench, Confirms Aaron Boone

Aaron Boone was unable to offer any insight into Aaron Judge’s free agency on Tuesday night. Getty Images

New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge had a perfect start to the 2023 season. He hit a homer in the first at-bat of the first inning on the opening day against the Giants. Moreover, he followed it by hitting a couple of more towering hits. However, in the past couple of weeks, the slugger has somehow lost its initial form. His batting average stood at .341 during the first 11 games of the season. But, since the past 10 games, it has dipped all the way to .260. Recently, in the series against the Blue Jays, the slugger recorded just one hit. Hence, his form has suddenly been under the scanner.

Meanwhile, Yankees manager Aaron Boone has devised a solution. Apparently, Boone plans to schedule a day off for Aaron Judge during the team’s next road trip to Texas. Judge has been the only Yankee to have made an appearance in all the games played until now. Hence, the skipper feels he needs some rest to get back into his original shape. Not only that, Boone says he intends to either rest the slugger or bring him as a DH once in every 16-game stretch. That would help Judge to recover mentally as well as physically. The grind of a long season can take its toll on even the most talented players, and a short break can often do wonders for a player’s form and confidence. Let’s hope the same happens to be the case for the Yankees captain.

Judge, Accompanied By Yankees Teammates, Attends Ice Hockey Game

Aaron Judge (left) talks with his wife, Samantha Bracksieck, during Game 3 of the Rangers-Devils series on April 22, 2023. Fellow Yankees Harrison Bader (second from right) and Anthony Volpe (far right) also were at the game. Paul J. Bereswill for the NY Post

Meanwhile, Aaron Judge has taken it upon himself to look after his mental well-being. On Saturday night, Judge, along with Harrison Bader and Anthony Volpe, attended an Ice Hockey game played between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils. The slugger sported a Rangers’ hoodie to lend his support to the New York-based team.

All the players received a shoutout on the video board during the break from the officials. Apart from the Yankees teammates, Aaron Judge’s wife, Samantha, too joined them for the evening. Overall, it was a good off-day for the Yankees as they went on to take the Blue Jays for the series decider on Sunday.

Exit mobile version