New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge has long been the team’s pillar of offensive strength. Last year, he recorded one of the best offensive seasons in the MLB, which also earned him his first AL-MVP title. This year also, he carried on their momentum and raked the league in the first half. Only an outside force could stop him, which eventually did.
Aaron Judge’s dream run was halted by unfortunate injuries. After recovering from a hip injury in May, he sustained a grievous toe injury in early June, which led to two months of prolonged absence. Recently Judge returned back to the lineup. However, playing through underlying pain comes with its own cons, as the slugger struggled with form. It was only this Tuesday that Aaron Judge looked in old touch.
Yankee Cap Aaron Judge Comes Out Of Offensive Slump Vs. White Sox
New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge returned half-healthy in late July after being on IL for two months due to torn ligament injury. He skipped a rehab assignment and was activated after a mere couple of simulated games. However, all doubts ceased to exist as Judge picked up from where he left off. He smashed a home run against the Orioles in his second game post-return. However, after that, the slugger went silent on the plate. For the first time in a long while, the Yankees captain went hitless in the entirety of the four-game series against rivals Houston Astros, that too at home. Fans and analysts alike raised doubts, and some even feared that the pressure of playing with an injury was getting the better of the reigning AL-MVP.
Aaron Judge proved all the doubters wrong as he dumped the brief slump and slammed a home run against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. In the top of the eighth inning, Judge slammed a 410 feet long hit over the left field off an 86 mph changeup from Tanner Banks. The slugger steadily rounded the base to extend the Yankee’s lead to 7-1. While the homer was more of an insurance run, fans definitely loved it and applauded the same. The loyal Yankee fanbase thronged social media and appreciated the captain’s unwavering efforts. Since returning half healthy, Judge’s resilience and selflessness have been applauded by many. The cap desperately wants to lift the Yanks to the postseason and is making every possible effort toward the cause.
Yankees Opting For Caution With A Half-Healthy Judge
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees are exercising extreme caution with captain Aaron Judge. He played as a DH initially but returned to the field shortly after. However, the outfielder looked uncomfortable, so the Bombers chose to bench him for the next day. The move received a lot of flak from the fans. Hence, the team chose to get Judge back as a designated hitter for the near future.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that he intends to protect Aaron Judge at any cost. He is the best player in the league currently and remains half-healthy. If he is willing to risk his health for the sake of the team, the club owes him some care and concern. It’s upon the management to figure out the best interest of the Judge and ensure to work on it actively.