Aaron Judge’s absence from the lineup has created a significant void in the heart of the Yankees’ batting order. His power-hitting ability and high baseball IQ make him a formidable threat to any opposing pitcher. His presence alone can alter the dynamic of a game, as pitchers are forced to approach the lineup differently when Judge is at the plate.
Hence, when the captain landed on IL, the Yankees were bound to fall. Yet, the fans expected the veteran batters to step up. The Bombers’ hitting lineup is filled with big and notable names who have significant major-league experience. Despite all, none of them have been able to perform, which is a concern for a $ 7 billion franchise, thriving to win a World Series title.
Yankees Offensive Numbers Drop To An All Time Low After Aaron Judge’s Injury
New York Yankees’ best batter, Aaron Judge, landed on IL in the first week of June due to a toe injury. Moreover, since the injury is tricky to deal with, the team has set no return timeline. It’s not easy for any team to bounce back after losing their star player. Yet, a baseball team consists of nine players, and each of them has a responsibility to contribute. For the Yankees, the onus shifted on veterans like DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Rizzo, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gleyber Torres to step up to take care of the offense. However, not one but rather all of them have failed to produce any significant numbers. Moreover, the recent stats will further rattle the fans.
Since the day Aaron Judge sustained the injury on June 4, the Yankees have recorded the worst batting average of .196, a worst on-base percentage of .258, and the worst OPS of .612 in the whole league. Not only that, in the past 11 days, the whole team collectively managed to score just 31 runs. These stats are baffling and concerning at the same time. How did the Yankees become so overly dependent on a single player is beyond anyone’s understanding. Moreover, as the captain is scheduled to miss yet another couple of weeks, the Bombers remain in a tough spot. At this rate, the World Series dream is just going to get way farther from their reach.
Still No Return Timeline For Aaron Judge!
The only way to pull out Yankees from this slump is by welcoming back the captain, Aaron Judge. He sustained a stubborn toe injury on June 6 and has stayed MIA ever since. Moreover, after an early shot to reduce swelling, Judge apparently took another injection yesterday as another ligament started to bother him. It suggests that Judge has not yet resumed field activities.
Regardless, the team still has no return timeline to offer. The manager, Aaron Boone, has looked absolutely clueless in the press conferences. On the other hand, Aaron Judge himself stated that there is no need for a timeline, and fans must not panic. He is fine, and once he feels ready to take the field again, he will update on the same accordingly. Long story short, the waiting game is to continue, most likely for a few more weeks, perhaps till the All-Star break.
