New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was replaced by a pinch hitter in the sixth inning on Wednesday due to tightness in his lower right leg. Judge, who had been given a day off on Tuesday for rest, struck out in both of his at-bats against Minnesota pitcher Zebby Matthews before being substituted for Heliot Ramos. During the fifth inning, Judge made a run to catch a double, his final field action of the game, and showed no visible signs of pain or limping.
The three-time American League MVP has struggled since returning from a broken rib last week, going 4-for-26 with 13 strikeouts and only one extra-base hit over seven games. Judge did hit a home run in Monday’s series opener in Minnesota, the same game where the Yankees secured a postseason spot. As of Wednesday, New York was trailing the AL East leader, the Tampa Bay Rays, by three and a half games.
Reported by the Associated Press.
Fan Take: This update on Aaron Judge is crucial for baseball fans because his health directly impacts the Yankees’ playoff hopes and the excitement of the postseason race. If Judge remains sidelined or limited, it could shift the balance of power in the AL East and affect the competitive landscape of the playoffs.
Source: www.foxsports.com
