New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has confirmed that Aaron Judge will play right field at Dodger Stadium this weekend, despite concerns about a previous injury at the venue. As the Yankees prepare for their midseason series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the focus remains on Judge playing right field, reaffirming his usual position amid worries linked to his past toe injury at Chavez Ravine.
The Background Behind Judge’s Position at Dodger Stadium
Judge’s decision to play right field at Dodger Stadium carries added significance due to his 2023 injury there. Two seasons ago, the Yankees were performing well, sitting 10 games above .500 when they arrived in Los Angeles. However, during a game at Dodger Stadium, Judge tore ligaments in his toe after stubbing it on an unpadded concrete slab near the right field wall. This injury sidelined him for nearly two months, during which the Yankees posted a losing record and ultimately missed the playoffs.
Since then, Dodger Stadium has added padding in that hazardous area to protect players. Boone remains hopeful that Judge’s presence in right field will not lead to further complications, even as the Yankees contend without key players like Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton. Judge, who has been one of the league’s best hitters this season, is expected to stay healthy and continue his strong performance.
Judge’s Current Form and Manager Boone’s Confidence
Judge is enjoying another successful season, batting an impressive .395 with a .488 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of .746. He has recorded 18 home runs and 47 RBIs, ranking second in the American League in each category. Boone praised Judge’s steady performance, noting his ability to consistently get hits.
“He’s just been really steady so far and getting a ton of hits obviously.”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
Boone also drew comparisons to Judge’s exceptional 2023 midseason stretch. After a slow start earlier in the year, Judge went on a dominant run from May to July that shaped his overall MVP-caliber season. Boone remarked on the difference in this year’s start and Judge’s previous peak months:
“The first stretch I went back and looked at was last May and June, and last May and June dwarfs March, April, May of this year.”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
That 2023 surge saw Judge finish third in the AL batting average race, leading all major leaguers with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs. His efforts helped the Yankees reach the World Series for the first time since 2009, underscoring his vital role in the team’s success.
The Significance of the Yankees Visiting Dodger Stadium
The upcoming regular-season games against the Dodgers hold extra weight for the Yankees, as the last visit to Chavez Ravine was during the 2024 World Series, where New York trailed 2-0 in the series. Boone recognizes the heightened attention surrounding this reunion, especially given his personal ties to Southern California.
“The couple times we’ve gone to LA in the regular season, those are fun series. There’ll be a lot of hype around it. It’s always fun in the regular season to be in those environments and have those experiences, I think it’s good for our guys. It should be a lot of fun.”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
The series is expected to test the Yankees on the road while giving their younger players valuable exposure to intense environments. Boone’s decision to field Judge in right field signals confidence that the team can avoid the setbacks of past visits.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Yankees’ Season
With Aaron Judge playing right field at Dodger Stadium, the Yankees aim to keep their season on track despite missing key contributors like Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton. Judge’s consistent offensive production remains crucial as New York pushes to maintain its standing in the competitive AL East.
If Judge can avoid injury in Los Angeles and continue his high level of play, the Yankees have a strong chance to contend for another playoff berth and potentially another deep postseason run. Boone’s faith in Judge’s durability and talent reflects the team’s reliance on their superstar to lead them through challenging stretches.