On Sunday, the New York Yankees placed star outfielder Aaron Judge on the 10-day injured list due to a right flexor strain, alleviating concerns that his injury was more severe than initially thought. An MRI confirmed that Judge did not sustain any acute damage to his ulnar collateral ligament, an injury that typically necessitates Tommy John surgery and an extended recovery period. This marked just the second game of the season that Judge missed, as the Yankees fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in his absence. Following the diagnosis, Judge received a platelet-rich plasma injection, setting a potential timeline for his return between 10 to 14 days.
Judge expressed his trepidation about undergoing imaging tests, sharing, “You never want to go in the tube. It’s never fun. You don’t know what’s going to show up.” His reluctance to schedule tests stemmed from a desire to avoid anxiety over possible outcomes. Yankees manager Aaron Boone echoed Judge’s relief regarding the MRI results, emphasizing a collective sigh of relief within the organization. Boone acknowledged that the team had feared a more dire diagnosis, which could have substantially impacted their season.
Before the injury, Judge had been struggling with throwing the ball more than 60 feet, a revelation he shared with Boone. He noted the importance of safeguarding the team’s pitchers, especially considering the offensive capabilities of the Phillies. Judge’s concern for his teammates, combined with his understanding of the game’s demands, showcased his commitment to the team’s performance. The Yankees reacted promptly to Judge’s absence by trading for shortstop Amed Rosario, who was acquired from the Washington Nationals to fill the gap on the roster.
Despite this setback, Judge’s performance had been nothing short of stellar prior to his injury. He was having another season worthy of MVP consideration, following his American League MVP award in 2022. This season, Judge led the majors in several offensive categories, including batting average at .342, on-base percentage at .449, slugging percentage at .711, and an OPS of 1.160. Furthermore, he was contributing significantly to the team’s success with 37 home runs and 85 RBIs, solidifying his role as an integral player.
As the Yankees sit at 56-48 and in second place in the American League East, the need for Judge’s return is increasing. His absence is felt not only offensively but also in terms of leadership and morale within the team. The organization’s hope is that the recent injection and careful management of Judge’s recovery will allow him to return quickly, helping the team bolster their chances in the playoff race.
In conclusion, while the Yankees navigate the challenges posed by Judge’s injury, the initial news appears to be promising. The combination of his exceptional skills and the team’s proactive roster moves suggests that the Yankees are determined to remain competitive in the AL East. Judge’s potential return within a couple of weeks could provide a significant boost as they pursue their postseason goals, and fans remain hopeful for his swift recovery and return to form.
