The New York Yankees faced an unsettling moment in their weekend series against the New York Mets in Queens when star outfielder Aaron Judge was struck in the face by a ball thrown by his own teammate, shortstop Anthony Volpe. The injury occurred shortly after the fourth inning, leaving Judge bleeding and forced to cover the wound as the game continued.
Details of the Injury and Game Context
Prior to Saturday’s game, the Yankees had suffered a five-game losing streak, including the opening night loss of the series on Friday. As the fourth inning concluded, Judge was jogging toward the visitors’ dugout from right field, a routine move for the player. Unexpectedly, Volpe threw the ball from foul territory near third base toward Judge, who appeared to be unaware of the incoming throw.
The ball struck Judge directly in the face just as he was crossing near second base, knocking off his sunglasses and causing a cut above his eye. The sun’s position—shining from above the grandstands on the third baseline—likely impaired Judge’s vision, making it difficult for him to track the ball and contributing to the accident.
Judge’s Condition and Team Outcome
Despite the injury, Judge returned to play after briefly leaving the field with a bandage covering his wound. However, the incident added to a frustrating game for the Yankees, who ultimately lost 12-6 to the Mets, extending their losing streak to six games. The mishap symbolized the team’s ongoing difficulties during this stretch of the season.
Implications and Prospects Moving Forward
The unexpected injury to Aaron Judge not only caused immediate concern for his health but also added a layer of tension to the Yankees’ already challenging weekend series. With such a key player affected by an internal accident, questions arise about communication and coordination among teammates on the field. As the Yankees strive to end their losing streak, ensuring player safety and focus will be critical in their upcoming games.
“He’s made that jog so many times that you’d have to assume he’s on autopilot. Not too many variables get thrown into the mix.” —Unnamed Analyst
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?
A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs because he has three seasons with 50 or more homers. This achievement puts him among only five players in history to reach this milestone three times.
Q. Does Aaron Judge know his biological parents?
A. In an interview with The Post, he mentioned, “I think they chose me… that it was God who brought us together.” Aaron Judge was adopted through a closed adoption, which means he has never met or communicated with his biological parents. He says he has never felt the desire to reach out to them.
Q. What is so special about Aaron Judge?
A. He is among just 20 players from his team to reach base 63 times and score 27 runs in the first 28 games. Over the past 23 years, only one other player, Bryce Harper in 2017, has matched this feat. Additionally, Judge is famous for holding the American League record for most home runs in a single season and being the quickest to hit 300 home runs.
Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?
A. Aaron Judge has stated he will not let a beard grow, even though the Yankees now allow facial hair.