Aaron Judge's Injury Scare Turns Out to Be Good News for Yankees
The New York Yankees can breathe a sigh of relief. Aaron Judge, who exited a recent game after being struck on his left hand by a pitch, has been cleared of serious injury after thorough medical evaluations. The 31-year-old outfielder, who has had his share of injury woes in the past, underwent X-rays and CT scans that showed no fractures, much to the relief of the team and its fanbase.
X-Rays and CT Scans Clear Judge of Serious Injury
Judge left the game an inning after the hit-by-pitch incident, raising immediate concerns given his history. He previously missed nearly two months in 2018 due to a similar injury. However, this time, medical tests confirmed that Judge had avoided any fractures in his left hand.
Post-game, Judge expressed his relief, saying, "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
Judge has been in outstanding form this season, playing at an MVP level. His phenomenal performance is highlighted by a slash line of .302/.428/.687. Judge leads the league in several key statistics, and his contributions have been instrumental to the Yankees' success.
With his exceptional play, Judge has helped propel the Yankees to a strong standing in the highly competitive AL East. His presence in the lineup is invaluable, and the team feels fortunate that his injury scare did not have more severe consequences.
Outfield Depth Tested Amidst Injuries
The Yankees' outfield depth has been under significant strain this season due to a series of injuries. Talented prospect Jasson Domínguez recently suffered an oblique injury, and the team is currently awaiting his test results. Additionally, Everson Pereira has undergone season-ending elbow surgery, further depleting the outfield.
Despite these setbacks, the Yankees have prided themselves on their depth and the talent within their prospect pool. If Judge were to miss time, Trent Grisham would be the primary candidate to fill the gap in center field. However, Judge’s absence would still be deeply felt in the lineup.
The outfield has already taken a hit with Anthony Rizzo's injury. Rizzo is sidelined for eight weeks due to a broken bone in his right arm, compounding the Yankees' outfield challenges. Despite these hurdles, the team’s resilience has been a testament to their depth and determination.
Upcoming Returns and League Standing
In a bit of promising news, ace pitcher Gerrit Cole is set to return to the rotation on Wednesday, further bolstering the Yankees' lineup. Tuesday's win showcased the team's resilience, improving their record to an impressive 51-24.
With this victory, the Yankees extended 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 team's depth and capability to overcome setbacks have played a crucial role in maintaining their top spot in the division.
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 player Mookie Betts, who is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks. Every team faces its own set of challenges, and the Yankees are no exception.
The organization is hopeful for a swift recovery for their injured stars, including Domínguez and Pereira. In the meantime, they will rely on their depth, including reinforcements from the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, their Triple-A affiliate, to navigate through this period.
The positive news regarding Aaron Judge’s medical evaluations is undoubtedly encouraging for the team. Yankees fans eagerly anticipate seeing their star outfielder back on the field, where his contributions can continue to drive the team’s success.