Aaron Judge's Injury Scare Turns Out Positive for Yankees
Yankees' star outfielder Aaron Judge found himself in yet another injury scare recently, exiting a game early after being struck on his left hand by a pitch. However, the outcome was far more favorable this time around. Judge, who has had a history of injuries from similar situations, received positive news after medical evaluations.
X-rays and CT Scans Clear Judge of Serious Injury
Judge's early exit raised immediate concerns, especially considering his previous injury in 2018, which kept him sidelined for nearly two months. Following the hit-by-pitch incident, Judge left the game an inning later to undergo medical evaluations. Fortunately, both X-rays and CT scans revealed no fractures in his left hand, bringing much-needed relief to the Yankees organization and fanbase.
Post-game, a relieved Judge expressed his gratitude for the positive medical news. "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
Judge's performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a slash line of .302/.428/.687, Judge is playing at an MVP level, leading the league in several key statistics. His contributions have been instrumental to the Yankees' success, as they continue their impressive run in the 2023 season.
Outfield Depth Tested Amidst Injuries
The Yankees have faced a slew of injuries this season, particularly in the outfield. Jasson Domínguez recently suffered an oblique injury, with the team still awaiting test results. Additionally, Everson Pereira underwent season-ending elbow surgery, further challenging the team's depth.
If Judge were to miss time, the Yankees would turn to Trent Grisham to fill the gap in center field. However, Judge’s absence would be deeply felt in the lineup. The outfield has already taken a hit with Anthony Rizzo’s injury, which has sidelined him for eight weeks due to a broken bone in his right arm.
Upcoming Returns and League Standing
Despite the injury setbacks, the Yankees have shown incredible resilience. Gerrit Cole is set to return to the rotation on Wednesday, adding a significant boost to the pitching staff. Their resilience was on full display in Tuesday’s win, improving their record to 51-24 and extending their lead in the AL East. The Orioles, currently in second place with a 47-25 record, trail the Yankees by 2.5 games.
The Yankees' depth and resilience are evident, and their ability to navigate through these challenges highlights their strength as a team. The organization is confident in their roster's talent and depth, which has been a key factor in maintaining their position at the top of the standings.
Broader MLB Injury Landscape
Injuries have not been exclusive to the Yankees; other teams around the league are also dealing with significant setbacks. The Los Angeles Dodgers, for instance, are missing Mookie Betts for 6-8 weeks. The Yankees hope for a speedy 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 depth as the big league club navigates these turbulent times. Yankees fans remain hopeful and look forward to seeing Judge back on the field, contributing to the team's success.
While the recent injury scare was a concerning event, the positive medical news regarding Aaron Judge is undoubtedly encouraging for the team. As the Yankees continue their quest for dominance in the AL East, the health and performance of key players like Judge will be crucial to their sustained success.