Aaron Judge's Injury Scare Turns Out Positive for Yankees
Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees experienced a collective sigh of relief following Judge’s recent injury scare. The star outfielder had to exit a game early after being struck on his left hand by a pitch. Given Judge's history of injuries from similar situations, there were immediate concerns regarding the severity of this incident. However, medical evaluations soon provided good news for the Yankees’ captain and their fans.
X-rays and CT Scans Clear Judge of Serious Injury
After Judge was hit by the pitch, he exited the game an inning later, which stoked fears of another long-term injury. These concerns were not unwarranted, considering Judge had previously missed nearly two months in 2018 due to a similar injury. Consequently, medical tests were promptly conducted, including X-rays and CT scans, to assess the damage to Judge's left hand.
Fortunately for Judge and the Yankees, the tests revealed no fractures. "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. Being hit there before a couple 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 commented after the game, expressing his relief and indicating that he would not miss significant time.
Judge's Stellar Performance This Season
Aaron Judge has been nothing short of extraordinary this season. His exceptional performance has not only captivated fans but also positioned him as a frontrunner in the MVP race. Judge boasts a stellar slash line of .302/.428/.687, and his contributions have been instrumental in the Yankees' success this season.
Leading the league in several key statistics, Judge's on-field excellence has played a significant role in the Yankees maintaining a leading record in the American League East. His consistent performance underscores his value to the team, making the initial injury scare all the more concerning for Yankees supporters.
Outfield Depth Tested Amidst Injuries
The Yankees' outfield depth has been heavily tested due to a string of injuries. Alongside Judge's scare, the team is also dealing with injuries to other key players. Jasson Domínguez recently suffered an oblique injury, and the Yankees are still awaiting test results to determine the extent of his condition. Meanwhile, Everson Pereira underwent season-ending elbow surgery, further stretching the Yankees' outfield reserves.
Additionally, Anthony Rizzo, another crucial component of the Yankees' lineup, has been sidelined for eight weeks due to a broken bone in his right arm. These injuries have forced the Yankees to rely on their depth and the talent of their prospects. Should Judge miss any time, Trent Grisham is expected to fill the gap in center field, although Judge's presence in the lineup would be sorely missed.
Upcoming Returns and League Standing
Despite the injury challenges, the Yankees have demonstrated considerable resilience. This was evident in their recent win on Tuesday, which improved their record to an impressive 51-24, extending their lead in the AL East. The Baltimore Orioles, in second place with a 47-25 record, trail the Yankees by 2.5 games.
There is also good news on the horizon, with Gerrit Cole set to return to the rotation on Wednesday. This return will provide a much-needed boost to the Yankees' pitching staff as they continue to navigate the season amidst various setbacks.
Broader MLB Injury Landscape
It's worth noting that the Yankees are not alone in dealing with significant injuries. The Los Angeles Dodgers, for instance, are missing star outfielder Mookie Betts for 6-8 weeks. This underlines the broader injury landscape across Major League Baseball this season, with many teams feeling the burden of sidelined stars.
Despite these challenges, the Yankees remain hopeful for a quick recovery for their injured players. The positive medical news regarding Aaron Judge is particularly encouraging, offering a much-needed boost for the team. Additionally, the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate, may provide essential depth as the major league team navigates these injury woes.
As Yankees fans eagerly anticipate Judge's return to the field, the team will continue to rely on their depth and resilience. Judge's relief at the favorable medical results is undoubtedly shared by the entire Yankees community, as his presence continues to be a cornerstone of the team's success this season.