Aaron Judge's Injury Scare Turns Out Positive for Yankees
In a moment that sent shockwaves through Yankee Stadium, Aaron Judge's recent injury scare has ultimately ended on a positive note for the New York Yankees and their fans. The star outfielder was struck on his left hand by a pitch, forcing him to exit the game early. However, subsequent medical evaluations revealed no fractures, providing relief for both Judge and the team.
X-rays and CT Scans Clear Judge of Serious Injury
Judge exited the game an inning after the hit-by-pitch incident, raising concerns given his history of injuries from similar situations. The following day, Judge underwent a series of medical tests, including X-rays and CT scans, which showed no fractures in his left hand. This news was a significant relief for Judge, who had previously missed nearly two months in 2018 due to a similar injury.
"Feeling better after we got some good news. X-rays and CT scans came back negative. We're in a good spot. It’s a big relief," Judge said post-game. "Being hit there before a couple of years ago and breaking the wrist (in 2018), you don't know what's going to happen. Finding out that it’s not fractured or broken is definitely a sigh of relief."
Judge’s Stellar Performance This Season
Judge's performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 31-year-old outfielder boasts a slash line of .302/.428/.687, playing at an MVP level. Judge leads the league in several key statistics and has been instrumental in the Yankees' success this year.
His contributions on both offensive and defensive fronts have been essential, making the thought of his potential absence particularly concerning for the team. As one of the team's most consistent and impactful players, his presence in the lineup is irreplaceable.
Outfield Depth Tested Amidst Injuries
The Yankees' outfield depth has already been tested this season due to a string of injuries. Jasson Domínguez recently suffered an oblique injury, and the Yankees are still awaiting test results for him. Additionally, outfielder Everson Pereira underwent season-ending elbow surgery, further depleting the team’s options.
Despite the challenges, the Yankees have prided themselves on their depth and prospect talent. In the event Judge were to miss any time, Trent Grisham is expected to fill the gap in center field. However, Judge’s absence would undoubtedly be deeply felt in the lineup, already affected by Anthony Rizzo’s injury. Rizzo has been sidelined for eight weeks due to a broken bone in his right arm.
Upcoming Returns and League Standing
Amidst the whirlwind of injuries, there is a silver lining for the Yankees. Gerrit Cole is set to return to the rotation on Wednesday, adding much-needed strength to the pitching staff. The team’s resilience was on full display in Tuesday's win, improving their record to 51-24. This victory extended their lead in the AL East, with the Orioles sitting in second place with a 47-25 record. The Yankees now lead the Orioles by 2.5 games, showcasing their depth and resilience despite the setbacks.
Broader MLB Injury Landscape
The Yankees are not alone in facing injury woes this season. The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently missing Mookie Betts for 6-8 weeks, providing a broader context to the challenges teams are facing. The Yankees, like their peers, hope for a speedy recovery for their injured stars and will rely on their depth to continue their success.
While the news that Aaron Judge's injury is not serious offers a moment of relief, the Yankees will continue to lean on their depth, including prospects from the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, to maintain their competitive edge. Yankees fans eagerly await seeing Judge back on the field, fully healthy and ready to contribute to what has been a phenomenal season so far.