Aaron Judge's Injury Scare Turns Out Positive for Yankees
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge recently experienced a significant scare when he was struck on his left hand by a pitch, causing him to exit the game early. However, after several medical evaluations, Judge and the Yankees breathed a collective sigh of relief as the results showed no fractures.
X-rays and CT Scans Clear Judge of Serious Injury
Judge’s early departure from the game raised immediate concerns, especially considering his history with injuries due to similar incidents. In 2018, Judge missed nearly two months after suffering a fracture from a comparable hit-by-pitch situation. This time, however, the outcome was more favorable. Medical tests, including X-rays and CT scans, confirmed that there were no fractures in Judge's left hand. Post-game, Judge expressed his relief, stating, "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’s Stellar Performance This Season
This season, Aaron Judge has been one of the standout performers in Major League Baseball, posting an extraordinary slash line of .302/.428/.687. Playing at an MVP level, Judge leads the league in several key statistics and has been instrumental to the Yankees' success. His contributions have been invaluable, and his presence in the lineup is a significant factor in the Yankees’ current standing.
Outfield Depth Tested Amidst Injuries
The Yankees' outfield depth has faced numerous challenges due to injuries. Jasson Domínguez is dealing with an oblique injury, and the team is currently awaiting his test results. Additionally, Everson Pereira has undergone season-ending elbow surgery, which further strains the Yankees' outfield options. In the event that Judge were to miss any time, Trent Grisham would be expected to fill the void in center field. The Yankees have also been impacted by Anthony Rizzo’s injury, who is sidelined for eight weeks due to a broken bone in his right arm.
Despite these setbacks, the Yankees have prided themselves on their depth and their ability to call up talented prospects. However, the absence of key players like Judge and Rizzo would undoubtedly be deeply felt in the lineup.
Upcoming Returns and League Standing
There is some good news on the horizon for the Yankees, as Gerrit Cole is set to return to the rotation on Wednesday. The team showcased their resilience with a win on Tuesday, improving their record to 51-24 and extending their lead in the American League East. The Baltimore Orioles are currently in second place with a 47-25 record, trailing the Yankees by 2.5 games. Despite the injuries and setbacks, the Yankees’ depth and resilience have been crucial to maintaining their top position in the standings.
Broader MLB Injury Landscape
The Yankees are not alone in dealing with significant injuries this season. The Los Angeles Dodgers are missing Mookie Betts for 6-8 weeks, highlighting that injuries are a widespread issue affecting multiple teams. The Yankees hope for a swift recovery for their injured stars and will continue to rely on their depth to sustain their success. The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, may provide essential reinforcements as needed.
For Yankees fans, the news of Aaron Judge’s positive medical results is highly encouraging. Everyone looks forward to seeing Judge back on the field, continuing his outstanding performance, and contributing to the Yankees' quest for further success this season.