Aaron Judge has been on another level this season with his power hitting. He still leads the league in home runs. However, the New York Yankees have been through a bit of a slump in recent times. They have fallen from the top to second place in the American League East Division, behind the Baltimore Orioles. The fans in the Bronx want their beloved team to get back to winning ways. But at present, the MLB has been gearing up for the All-Star Game all weekend. The battles between the American League and the National League in these All-Star games have always been classics.
After all, the best players of the season go head-to-head in these games. Lately, the Judge-Soto duo enjoyed a victory against the National League team that starred Shohei Ohtani. Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles teamed up with Juan Soto and the Yankees captain for the American League team. This All-Star break was a big success yet again. But the biggest showdown was when Judge faced Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Everybody wanted to see that.
Everybody Was Waiting To See The Contest Between Aaron Judge And Paul Skenes
Before the All-Star Game, on the MLB All-Star Red Carpet, Harold Reynolds and Greg Amsinger had a fun and interesting conversation with Aaron Judge. They discussed fashion choices, tough pitchers he faced and the potential showdown between the Yankees Captain and the Pirates ‘Phenom.’ Everybody knows that the 2022 AL MVP has an intimidating presence on the field for the opposing pitchers. But he was about to face one of the most promising pitchers in the ongoing season during the All-Star game. Hence, it was interesting to know how excited he was prior to that showdown. Skenes has been a star already in his rookie season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. But before talking about the Pirates hurler, Aaron Judge recalled the toughest pitchers he faced since his debut in MLB. He mentioned that he was uncomfortable as a rookie when he faced RA Dickey.
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Judge said he used to pitch an 85 mph fastball that looked like its 108. Then, the California native used to look at his coach, like, “What do I do now?” Later, Amsinger asked Judge about the showdown with Skenes. In reply, Aaron Judge said, “Hoping to face him in the first inning.” Hearing that Amsinger gave an excited reaction, saying, “The World is waiting to see it – Judge Vs Skenes.” The Pirates hurler got the selection as the National League starter at the All-Star game. He has gained quite a reputation for his deadly combination of fastballs, “Unique splinker,” and a pretty good slider.
The Yankees Captain Praised His Fellow Outfielders
On the MLB All-Star Red Carpet, Amsinger and Reynolds asked Aaron Judge about shifting to the center field. In reply, the 2022 AL MVP mentioned that it feels like he is a general out there standing in the center field. He has played in that position a lot since College. Hence, Judge added, “It was nice to get back there.”
The Yankees captain then did not forget to praise his fellow outfielders, Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, back in the Bronx. He mentioned, “I’ve got a couple of great outfielders.” Moreover, Aaron Judge noted that they have a great group that communicates well and just has a lot of fun.
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