Aaron Judge's Injury Scare Turns Out Positive for Yankees
New York Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief after the latest injury scare involving their star player, Aaron Judge. Judge had to exit a game early after being struck on his left hand by a pitch, but subsequent medical evaluations revealed no fractures.
X-rays and CT Scans Clear Judge of Serious Injury
The incident occurred when Judge was hit by a pitch and forced to leave the game an inning later. Given Judge's history of injuries from similar situations, including a significant wrist injury in 2018 that sidelined him for nearly two months, concerns were high. However, thorough medical tests, including X-rays and CT scans, confirmed that there were no fractures in his left hand. Post-game, Judge expressed his relief, acknowledging the uncertainty and fear that comes with such injuries. "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," said Judge.
Judge’s Stellar Performance This Season
This season, Judge has been nothing short of extraordinary, playing at an MVP level. His performance is underscored by an impressive slash line of .302/.428/.687. He leads the league in several key statistical categories, and his contributions have been instrumental to the Yankees' success. Losing Judge for any extended period would be a significant blow to the team's lineup.
Outfield Depth Tested Amidst Injuries
The Yankees have been dealing with a series of injuries that have tested their outfield depth. Jasson Domínguez recently suffered an oblique injury, and the team is still awaiting test results. Additionally, Everson Pereira underwent season-ending elbow surgery. If Judge had to miss time, Trent Grisham would likely fill in at center field, but his absence would still be keenly felt. The lineup had already taken a hit with Anthony Rizzo's injury, sidelining him for eight weeks due to a broken bone in his right arm.
Upcoming Returns and League Standing
Despite these setbacks, the Yankees continue to show resilience. Gerrit Cole is set to return to the rotation on Wednesday, providing a much-needed boost to the pitching staff. The Yankees' grit was evident in their recent win, which improved their record to 51-24, extending their lead in the AL East. They now hold a 2.5-game lead over the second-place Baltimore Orioles, who have a 47-25 record. The Yankees' depth and resilience have been crucial in maintaining their position at the top of the standings.
Broader MLB Injury Landscape
It's worth noting that the Yankees are not the only team grappling with injuries. The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently without Mookie Betts, who is expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks. The Yankees' ability to rely on their depth to continue succeeding amidst these challenges is a testament to their strong roster management. The positive medical news about Aaron Judge is particularly encouraging for the team, which will likely look to their minor league affiliate, the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, for additional support as needed.
The Yankees' fanbase eagerly anticipates Judge’s return to the field, bolstered by the hopeful news that he avoided serious injury. The team's continued success amid adversity serves as a reminder of their resilience and depth, hallmarks of a championship-caliber organization.