Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ newly minted captain, has ensured a lot of challenges this season. However, the primary struggle has been to keep health in check. Judge suffered injury setbacks twice this year, including the toe injury that kept him out for two long months. While the slugger returned early, considering the severity of his injury, he has not been 100%.
Aaron Judge remained fully aware of the fact that returning this season would require him to compromise on his health. He knew he had to play through some level of pain if he wished to keep the 2023 season campaign alive. Moreover, since the stakes were high, Judge made the sacrifice for the Yankees. Amid this, manager Aaron Boone has shared a massive update on the slugger’s health which could play a pivotal role in his future with the team.
Aaron Judge Might Avoid Off-Season Surgery, Claims Aaron Boone
Reigning AL-MVP Aaron Judge remains the New York Yankees’ leading slugger despite missing more than two months of game time. He is leading the unit in home runs, on-base, and slugging percentage despite being half-healthy. To those unversed, Judge tore the ligament of his right toe on June 4 and is still not fully healed. He is currently playing through some degree of pain. Earlier, Judge claimed that due to the severity of his injury, he would not be able to regain 100% fitness, at least for this season. Moreover, a few doctors have also advised him to opt for surgery.
However, Aaron Judge blatantly rejected the option and postponed it to the next off-season. He said that he was not at a stage where the surgical route was the only resort. The slugger took his chances which have apparently worked for him. On a recent Talkin Yanks podcast, Aaron Boone, the Yankees manager, claimed that off-season surgery is currently not in Aaron Judge’s plans. He is doing pretty well in the field and has been moving swiftly on the bases. The skipper added that there is a possibility that Judge might regain full fitness by the end of the season. This means a lot to Judge and the Yankees, as surgery would have shut him down for months. This way, they have at least got the 2024 season secured for now.
Carlos Rodon Could Rejoin The Yankees Rotation By Next Week
Carlos Rodon, the Yankees’ prized off-season acquisition, landed on IL for the second time this season due to a hamstring injury. He has been on 15-day IL due to low-grade hamstring strain. However, the pitcher has made excellent progress so far. He threw an extended bullpen session last week and has now traveled to Tampa for the last recovery step.
Rodon will throw a simulated game on Wednesday at the Yankees training facility in Tampa. He is expected to have a fully loaded workout. If the pitcher aces the session, he will become eligible for activation from IL as early as next week against the Washington Nationals. He could return for the series opener vs. Nationals on Tuesday next week.
