The New York Yankees are preparing for the return of their standout outfielder, Aaron Judge, who is expected to rejoin the team by midweek. Known as one of Major League Baseball’s top players, Judge has had an outstanding season with a batting average of .342, an on-base percentage of .449, and a slugging percentage of 1.160, along with 37 home runs and 85 RBIs, firmly placing him in MVP discussions. His comeback update has given Yankees fans renewed hope as the team aims to strengthen its playoff chances.
Injury Challenges and Recovery Progress
Judge was sidelined in late July due to a flexor strain, causing him to miss eight games and leaving the Yankees without their powerful offensive presence. His time away from the lineup has affected the team’s momentum, but recent reports indicate that he is close to returning. Manager Aaron Boone revealed that the Yankees plan for Judge to make his return on either Tuesday or Wednesday, with a strategy to ease him into action by initially assigning him the designated hitter role to avoid placing unnecessary stress on his injury.
Strategic Approach to Judge’s Return
Boone’s decision to use Judge as a designated hitter upon his return underscores the team’s cautious approach to ensuring his full recovery. This method allows Judge to contribute offensively while minimizing the physical demands of playing the field right away. The Yankees hope this gradual reintroduction will allow Judge to regain his rhythm comfortably and maintain his performance level as the season intensifies.
Significance of Judge’s Presence for the Yankees
Beyond his exceptional statistics, Judge’s leadership and competitive spirit have a profound impact on the Yankees. The team is counting on his return to energize the lineup and boost morale during the crucial stretch leading to the playoffs. His ability to change the course of games makes Judge’s comeback a critical factor in New York’s postseason aspirations, and fans eagerly anticipate seeing him back in action.
Upcoming Outlook and Fan Expectations
As Aaron Judge prepares to step back onto the field, the baseball community is watching closely. His return not only enhances his personal MVP campaign but also reinforces the Yankees’ pursuit of success this season. The combination of his talent and leadership could provide the turning point the team needs to advance deep into the playoffs, making this comeback one of the most anticipated in recent memory.
“The plan is to get Judge back as the designated hitter in the first couple of games to keep him protected while letting him get back in the swing of things.”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager