Aaron Judge's Injury Scare Turns Out Positive for Yankees
Aaron Judge received a significant relief after his recent injury scare, much to the delight of Yankees fans and the team management. The star outfielder had to exit the game early after being struck on his left hand by a pitch, raising immediate concerns about a potential long-term injury.
X-rays and CT Scans Clear Judge of Serious Injury
Judge's early exit, coming just an inning after the hit-by-pitch incident, heightened the team's anxiety, especially given Judge's history of injuries from similar situations. Back in 2018, Judge had missed nearly two months due to a similar injury. However, recent medical evaluations, including X-rays and CT scans, revealed no fractures in Judge's left hand. After the game, Judge expressed his relief to the media.
"Feeling better. Feeling better after we got some good news. X-rays, CT scans came back negative. We're in a good spot. A big relief. Being hit there before a couple years ago and breaking the wrist (in 2018), you don't know what's going to happen. Finding out that it’s not fractured, it’s not broken, is definitely a sigh of relief," Judge said.
Judge’s Stellar Performance This Season
This season, Aaron Judge has been performing at an extraordinary level, boasting a slash line of .302/.428/.687. His contributions have not gone unnoticed as he is playing at an MVP level, leading the league in several key statistics. Judge's remarkable performances have been instrumental to the Yankees' success this year.
Outfield Depth Tested Amidst Injuries
The Yankees' outfield has been particularly tested due to a spate of injuries. Jasson Domínguez recently suffered an oblique injury, and the team is currently awaiting test results to determine the extent of his situation. Additionally, Everson Pereira underwent season-ending elbow surgery.
The Yankees have prided themselves on their depth and the talent of their prospects. If Judge were to miss any significant amount of time, Trent Grisham would be positioned to fill the gap in center field. Judge’s absence would undoubtedly be deeply felt in the lineup, especially considering the team is also dealing with Anthony Rizzo’s injury. Rizzo is sidelined for eight weeks due to a broken bone in his right arm.
Upcoming Returns and League Standing
There is good news for the Yankees on the horizon as Gerrit Cole is set to return to the rotation on Wednesday. Following Tuesday's win, the Yankees showcased their resilience and improved their record to 51-24. They have now extended their lead in the AL East, with the Orioles in second place holding a 47-25 record. The Yankees lead the Orioles by 2.5 games.
The Yankees' depth and resilience are clearly evident despite the series of setbacks they have faced due to injuries. The positive news regarding Judge’s hand is a beacon of hope for the team as they look to maintain their stellar performance this season.
Broader MLB Injury Landscape
Injuries are a common challenge across major league teams this season. The Los Angeles Dodgers are notably missing Mookie Betts for a 6-8 week period. As the Yankees hope for a swift recovery for their injured players, they continue to rely heavily on their depth to sustain their success. The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate, may provide essential depth for the major league roster during this period.
Yankees fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing Aaron Judge back on the field soon. His recent medical clearance is a positive development, sparking optimism within the team and its fanbase. The Yankees’ journey this season continues to demonstrate the importance of resilience, depth, and the significant impact of star players like Judge.