New York Yankees star right fielder Aaron Judge was placed on the injured list on Saturday due to a diagnosed flexor strain, Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed to reporters. Boone also reassured fans by stating that Judge’s ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) remains intact, and that Judge will return to play as a designated hitter rather than in the outfield after his recovery.
Injury Details and Playing Status Leading Up to IL Placement
Judge missed the Yankees’ 9-4 defeat to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, marking his first absence this season. Boone explained that Judge experienced difficulties with throwing, which first became apparent during Friday night’s game when Judge was unable to throw effectively from the outfield.
In the preceding games, Judge had already shown signs of discomfort. YES Network announcers noted on a Tuesday broadcast against the Toronto Blue Jays that Judge appeared to be in pain while throwing in the seventh inning. Subsequently, Judge returned to the lineup on Wednesday but was placed in the designated hitter role instead of right field.
Boone addressed the position change, stating,
“It’s just probably a throw that didn’t feel great. He’s not DHing because of that. I think he’s all right.”
Following a day off on Thursday, Boone reported that Judge felt improvement, but during the series opener against the Phillies on Friday, Judge was “really dealing with it” and
“couldn’t throw well from the outfield,”
according to Boone.
Impact on Yankees and Team Adjustments
Judge’s injury comes as a setback for the Yankees, especially since he leads Major League Baseball with a .342 batting average after 103 games and is a strong candidate for his second consecutive MVP award. His absence coincided with the team introducing new third baseman Ryan McMahon, acquired from the Colorado Rockies to strengthen infield defense.
McMahon, who has already hit three home runs in six games since the All-Star break, may help compensate offensively for the Yankees during Judge’s anticipated brief absence. The team will rely on McMahon’s contributions to help fill the void left by the seven-time All-Star slugger while Judge recovers.
What Lies Ahead for Aaron Judge and the Yankees
The Yankees are closely monitoring Judge’s recovery as his health directly affects the team’s competitive outlook. With Judge set to return as a designated hitter, the team aims to manage his workload carefully to avoid aggravating the elbow strain. The move to the injured list signals the Yankees’ caution to preserve Judge for the remainder of the season and playoff contention.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?
A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs, having achieved 50 homers in three seasons. Only five players in history have done this.
Q. How old was Aaron Judge adopted?
A. Aaron Judge, born in 1992, was adopted immediately after birth by two teachers from California. When he was about 10, he discovered his adoption because he noticed he looked different from his parents.
Q. What is so special about Aaron Judge?
A. Aaron James Judge, born on April 26, 1992, plays professional baseball as an outfielder for MLB’s New York Yankees. He has been selected as an MLB All-Star seven times and has won the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award twice. Judge holds the AL record for hitting 62 home runs in one season.
Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?
A. “No,” the smiling captain replied on Saturday when questioned if he would grow a beard since the Yankees now allow “well-groomed” ones. Although Judge occasionally has facial hair during the offseason, he does not intend to have it when playing.