The New York Yankees are looking for any boost they can get following a four-game losing streak, and now find themselves in a position where every game is magnified heading towards the final stretch of the MLB season.
In a critical three-game set with the Texas Rangers on the road, where they already dropped game one, New York is tied with the Seattle Mariners for the final Wild Card spot, and the Rangers are just 1.5 games back for the last place as well. Things are getting tight and heating up in the American League playoff picture.
However, the Yankees received positive news regarding their two-time MVP, Aaron Judge, who could be well on his way to back-to-back MVP awards. As New York works to get back on track, having their captain around will really boost team morale amid their recent struggles.
Aaron Boone Gives Massive Aaron Judge Update
Following the Yankees’ 8-5 loss to the Rangers, which featured another late-inning implosion by New York’s bullpen, manager Aaron Boone told the media that Aaron Judge will be back in the lineup on Tuesday and activated from the Injured List. Judge has been out of the lineup since July 25 with a flexor strain in his right elbow. New York seemed to have dodged a bullet, as the injury wasn’t anything deeper than that.
The Yankees have shown their inability to win without Aaron Judge in the lineup over the last week and a half. Since July 25, New York is just 4-7.
The injury to Judge happened in a series against the Toronto Blue Jays, and after originally thinking it would be no big deal, Judge said he wasn’t able to throw, and that’s what led him to the IL. Aaron Boone echoed this sentiment by saying Judge will be exclusively in the Designated Hitter role going forward, and Boone is “hopeful” Judge can return to the outfield.
Aaron Judge Is the Best Hitter in MLB
Naturally, any team would struggle if the best hitter in baseball is suddenly removed from the lineup. In 103 games this season, Aaron Judge leads Major League Baseball in bWAR (6.6), average (.342), OPS (1.160), and total bases (268). Another absolutely monster offensive season for Judge, who also has 37 home runs and 85 RBIs.
The Yankees’ problem has been fundamental aspects of the game, errors, and the bullpen hasn’t performed to the level the front office thought when they traded for all these guys. Recently, the Yankees optioned Jake Bird to Triple-A less than a week into his tenure. Will Judge solve those problems? That remains uncertain, but as the teamâs captain and leader, he can drive the team back on track.
New York is just 18-28 since June 13, the second-worst record, just behind the Minnesota Twins. The team needs to play better, but having Judge back will certainly help, as he can carry the team like hast year, when the Yankees advanced to the World Series. They continue with their series against the Rangers, and then finish the week with the Houston Astros, another road series.
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