The New York Yankees and their fans have not seen the best of Aaron Judge yet in 2024. Moreover, the captain has been going through an early season slump. He could not have a great season in 2023 when he hurt his toe badly in the middle of the season. Even then, the 2022 AL MVP managed to hit 37 home runs. But that could not help the Bronx Bombers to a great deal as they failed to make the postseason last year. It was the first time since 2016 that the NY side could not qualify for the playoffs. Moreover, Aaron Judge also missed 35 games on the trot owing to the torn ligament he suffered when he had the freak accident at the Los Angeles Dodgers fence.
Prior to the spring training in 2024, he told the media that his toe injury would need constant maintenance until the last day he plays in the big league. After all these injury concerns, the Yankees captain had a very slow start to the 2024 regular season. His home crowd even booed him at one point. But forms are temporary, and the player’s class is permanent. That’s why the team still believes in their captain. Lately, Anthony Rizzo credited Judge for leading the team from the front during Game 1 against the Detroit Tigers.
Anthony Rizzo Praised Aaron Judge For Starting The Offensive Juggernaut In Their Walk-Off Win
On Friday, the Yankees had a very close game against the Detroit Tigers. Finally, the NY side did win 2-1. After losing the series against the Baltimore Orioles 3-1, it was nice return for them to winning ways. But the walk-off hero for the Yankees in Game 1 against the Detroit side was Anthony Rizzo. However, the veteran first baseman credited their captain for igniting the team’s offensive juggernaut in the ninth inning. Coming to the ninth inning, the New York Yankees were trailing 1-0 against the Tigers. Then, the Detroit side asked their closer, Jason Foley, to wrap up the ninth inning. Instead of helping the Tigers win, Foley had a disastrous inning as the Yankees barreled four straight hits. However, it all started with Aaron Judge getting a single to kick off the ninth inning.
Later, Anthony Rizzo told Meredith Marakovits of YES Network that it always starts with Aaron Judge. The first baseman said, “Whenever Judgey goes, we all go.” Moreover, Rizzo credited the captain, saying that he is a big part of their offense. On top of that, Rizzo mentioned, “Judgey is our captain, our leader. Hence, when he gets on, it’s a big exhale for all of us.” Moreover, Anthony Rizzo is very positive about the offense as he mentioned that it just takes one guy “To get on.” Then, all of them just needs to keep grinding. Moreover, Rizzo feels winning like that is always important when things are not going their way. Finally, the veteran first baseman said that even though it is just one game, it is big. After all, he believes, “Every game matters.”
Like Rizzo, The Yankees Manager And DH All Were In High Praise For Their Captain
After the game on Friday, Aaron Boone jokingly said that he had been trying to exhale all night long. Nevertheless, the Yankees manager added that it was definitely a good way to start the series against the Tigers. He praised Aaron Judge, saying, “He did a good job setting the table for the rest of the guys.” Then, all it took was some good at-bats to take it from there.
"I was trying to exhale all night" 😂
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 4, 2024
– Aaron Boone pic.twitter.com/6whrv6WCle
Later, Giancarlo Stanton, the Designated Hitter of the NY side, mentioned in the post-game interview that it was important for the captain to get on “Right there.” Then, Stanton praised Alex Verdugo for having a great at-bat and giving him an opportunity to “Drive him in.” The DH said, “That was big time from Dugie.”
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