Yankees, Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge runs off the field during the Yankees’ game against the Braves on March 10, 2024. AP

Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees captain and former MVP, was ordinary on the plate in the first half of the 2024 MLB season. Judge led AL in strikeout percentage as his batting average plummeted to below .200. However, with a player of Judge’s stature, a comeback was just on the cards.

   

The Yankees captain showed real signs of breakout against Detroit Tigers in a successful home series held last week. He went for multiple extra base hits, a home and a couple of RBIs in three game series. However, despite a successful series, Judge refused to believe that he was back as consistency remains the most important factor.

Aaron Judge Enjoyed His Battle With Tigers Ace Tarik Skubal

Aaron Judge, Yankees
Credit: Getty Images

The New York Yankees captain, Aaron Judge, had an eventful series against the Detroit Tigers at the Yankee Stadium this past weekend. He was ejected on Saturday after just two sentences hurled at the plate umpire over a dubious strike call. However, the slugger redeemed himself with a home run in the very next first at-bat on Sunday. That being said, Judge had an exciting mini-battle with Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. He said after the first extra-base hit, Skubal got his struck out, and he vowed revenge. Immediately after, he struck a home run to break out of his prolonged slump. “It’s fun competing against guys like that, especially a young ace of the team like that,” said Judge.

Meanwhile, despite a strong offensive series, Yankees captain Aaron Judge insisted that he’s not back yet. He wants to be hitting at over 1.000 OPS, as consistency is what matters the most for him. But in the meantime, the captain is excited and happy to get on the bases and help guys like Nestor Cortes with an early lead, which in turn allows the pitcher to pitch freely onto the mound. “It’s a good start, so just keep it rolling after this off day,” Judge said after the series sweep against the Tigers. Overall, the Tigers series was something the Yanks needed badly after a four-game series loss against the Baltimore Orioles. And the Yankee captain perhaps needed it the most to break out of his early season slump, which had prolonged long enough to send waves of concern.

“Just A Tough Month,” Juan Soto Downplays Aaron Judge’s Offensive Struggles

Yankees, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto
Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

New York Yankees top slugger Juan Soto defended captain Aaron Judge amid ill form, saying the past month has been tough on the latter. But he’s doing his preparations right. And with a guy like Judge, who is a proven slugger, Soto does not feel the need to worry about his form at all. 

As far as hitting position is concerned, Juan Soto reassured that he’s happy to hit in front of Aaron Judge and that he has absolutely no doubt in Judge’s abilities. Overall, the entire Yankees team is behind Judge in this phase of difficulties. Keeping the past glory in mind, fans are confident of a turnaround much sooner than later.

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