Aaron Judge's Injury Scare Turns Out Positive for Yankees
New York Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Aaron Judge's latest injury scare has turned out to be less serious than initially feared.
X-rays and CT Scans Clear Judge of Serious Injury
During a recent game, Judge exited an inning early after being struck on his left hand by a pitch. Given Judge's history of injuries from similar situations, there were immediate concerns about the potential severity of the injury. However, after undergoing medical evaluations, which included X-rays and CT scans, it was confirmed that there were no fractures in Judge's left hand.
Judge expressed his relief post-game, saying, "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's performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. He boasts a formidable slash line of .302/.428/.687, playing at an MVP level and leading the league in several key statistics. His contributions have been paramount to the Yankees' success this season.
Outfield Depth Tested Amidst Injuries
The Yankees' outfield depth has been severely tested due to a string of injuries. Jasson Domínguez recently suffered an oblique injury, and the team is currently awaiting test results for him. Adding to their woes, Everson Pereira recently underwent season-ending elbow surgery.
If Judge were to miss any time, Trent Grisham would be the likely candidate to fill the gap in center field. This would be another blow to the team's lineup, which has already felt the absence of Anthony Rizzo, sidelined for eight weeks with a broken bone in his right arm. Despite these setbacks, the Yankees have prided themselves on their depth and prospect talent, which will be crucial as they navigate these injuries.
Upcoming Returns and League Standing
On a positive note, Gerrit Cole is set to return to the rotation on Wednesday, providing a much-needed boost to the team's pitching staff. This return comes at an opportune time as the Yankees have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Tuesday's win improved their record to 51-24, extending their lead in the AL East.
The Yankees are now 2.5 games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles, who hold a 47-25 record. This lead is a testament to the team's depth and resilience, underscoring their ability to persevere despite numerous setbacks.
Broader MLB Injury Landscape
The Yankees are not alone in grappling with injuries. The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently missing one of their star players, Mookie Betts, expected to be out for 6-8 weeks. As the Yankees navigate their challenges, they remain hopeful for the swift recovery of their injured stars.
The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, may provide much-needed depth as the team seeks to maintain its competitive edge. The positive medical news regarding Aaron Judge is undoubtedly encouraging for the team and its supporters.
Yankees fans eagerly anticipate Judge's return to the field, hopeful that his resilience and stellar performance will continue to drive the team's success throughout the season.