Aaron Judge's Injury Scare Turns Out Positive for Yankees
Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief after an injury scare involving star outfielder Aaron Judge. Concerns arose when Judge exited the game early after being struck on his left hand by a pitch. However, medical evaluations revealed no fractures, bringing positive news to the Yankees' camp.
X-rays and CT Scans Clear Judge of Serious Injury
The incident that led to Judge’s premature exit occurred during an at-bat, raising immediate concerns due to his history of injuries. Judge was hit on his left hand, the same hand he had previously injured in 2018, which caused him to miss nearly two months of play. This history amplified worries amongst fans and the team.
Fortunately, medical tests, including X-rays and CT scans, showed no fractures in Judge's left hand. Post-game, Judge expressed his relief, stating, "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 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, it’s not broken, is definitely a sigh of relief."
Judge’s Stellar Performance This Season
Judge has been a dominant force in the Yankees' lineup this season. His extraordinary performance has positioned him as an MVP contender. With a slash line of .302/.428/.687, he has been instrumental in the Yankees’ success, leading the league in several key statistics. The Yankees' performance to date owes significantly to Judge's contributions.
Outfield Depth Tested Amidst Injuries
The Yankees' outfield depth has been tested with multiple injuries this season. Jasson Domínguez is awaiting test results for an oblique injury, while Everson Pereira has already undergone season-ending elbow surgery. In addition, Anthony Rizzo has been 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 prospect talent. Should Judge need to miss time, Trent Grisham is poised to fill the void in center field. However, Judge’s absence would indeed be deeply felt, considering the current challenges the outfield is facing.
Upcoming Returns and League Standing
On a brighter note, ace pitcher Gerrit Cole is set to return to the rotation on Wednesday, further bolstering the Yankees’ resilience. Their recent performances underscore their ability to overcome adversity, evident in Tuesday's win, which improved their record to 51-24. The Yankees have now extended their lead in the AL East, leading the Baltimore Orioles, who hold a 47-25 record, by 2.5 games.
The Yankees' depth and resilience are evident despite current setbacks. This robustness has allowed them to maintain their lead and set the stage for continued success as key players like Cole return from injuries.
Broader MLB Injury Landscape
The Yankees are not alone in facing injury woes. The Los Angeles Dodgers are coping with the loss of Mookie Betts, who is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks. The prevalence of injuries across the league highlights the importance of team depth and resilience.
Despite these challenges, the Yankees remain optimistic. The positive medical update on Aaron Judge is a significant boost for the team, allowing them to focus on maintaining their performance and league standings. The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, may also provide essential depth as the team navigates these challenging times.
Yankees fans eagerly anticipate Judge's return to the field, bolstered by the reassuring news of his injury being less severe than initially feared. With stars set to return and resilience in their ranks, the Yankees are well-positioned to continue their successful season.