Aaron Judge's Injury Scare Turns Out Positive for Yankees
In a game fraught with anxiety for Yankees fans, Aaron Judge exited early after taking a pitch to his left hand. Given Judge's history with hand injuries, the immediate concern was palpable. However, the post-game medical evaluations brought a sigh of relief to both Judge and the Yankees organization.
X-rays and CT Scans Clear Judge of Serious Injury
After being struck by the errant pitch, Judge departed the game an inning later, further elevating worries regarding his condition. Judge has had his share of injuries in the past, notably missing nearly two months in 2018 due to a similar scenario. This time, however, the narrative unfolded differently. X-rays and CT scans showed no fractures in Judge’s left hand, confirming that he had escaped serious injury.
“Feeling better. Feeling better after we got some good news. X-rays, CT scans came back negative. We’re in a good spot,” Judge said post-game. “A big relief. Being hit there before a couple of 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’s Stellar Performance This Season
The relief extends beyond just Judge’s health. The Yankees have come to rely heavily on his performance this season. With a slash line of .302/.428/.687, Judge is not only playing at an MVP level but also leading the league in several key statistics. His contributions have been instrumental to the Yankees’ success, making his potential absence a scenario the team would rather avoid.
Outfield Depth Tested Amidst Injuries
The Yankees' outfield depth has already been stretched thin due to a series of injuries. Jasson Domínguez is currently dealing with an oblique injury, and the team is anxiously awaiting his test results. Additionally, Everson Pereira has undergone season-ending elbow surgery, further depleting the team’s outfield options.
If Judge were to miss any time, Trent Grisham looks poised to fill the gap in center field. However, losing Judge would undeniably leave a notable void in the lineup, particularly with Anthony Rizzo sidelined for eight weeks due to a broken bone in his right arm.
Upcoming Returns and League Standing
Despite these setbacks, the Yankees have shown remarkable resilience. Their recent win on Tuesday improved their record to 51-24, extending their lead in the AL East. Gerrit Cole’s imminent return to the rotation on Wednesday is another positive development for the team.
The Yankees now lead the division with a 2.5-game advantage over the second-place Orioles, who hold a 47-25 record. The depth and tenacity of the Yankees roster are evident as they continue to forge ahead despite the challenges.
Broader MLB Injury Landscape
Injuries are a common hurdle in the MLB, and the Yankees are not alone in this struggle. The Los Angeles Dodgers, for instance, are grappling with the loss of Mookie Betts for an estimated 6-8 weeks. The Yankees, however, are optimistic about the recovery of their injured players and remain confident in their depth to sustain their current momentum.
The positive news regarding Aaron Judge's condition is an encouraging sign for the Yankees. With the possibility of Judge returning to the field soon, the team’s outlook remains positive. Moreover, the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, may prove to be a crucial source of depth as the season progresses.
Yankees fans are undoubtedly looking forward to Judge’s return, bolstered by the good news from the recent medical tests. Judge himself encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: “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.”