NEW YORK — Aaron Judge continued to struggle at the plate during the New York Yankees’ Game 3 loss in the World Series, going 0-for-3 with another strikeout. With the Yankees facing a crucial moment and the Los Angeles Dodgers just one win away from a sweep, the pressure is mounting for the star slugger to deliver.
Yankees hitting coach James Rowson expressed optimism about Judge’s potential, emphasizing that he is “one swing away” from breaking out of his slump. He reiterated that Judge is one of the best hitters in the game, suggesting that a single moment could change the narrative surrounding his performance.
Scouts and experts point out that Judge’s struggles stem from chasing pitches outside the strike zone, which the Dodgers have capitalized on. An American League scout highlighted that Judge’s tendency to chase breaking pitches has made him vulnerable, leading to a drastic increase in his strikeout rate on those pitches this postseason compared to the regular season.
Although Judge has shown significant power against fastballs, hitting .364 with a 1.429 OPS on pitches over 95 mph, he has seen fewer fastballs in the playoffs, which has fueled his frustration. The former National League MVP Ryan Howard noted that Judge might be pressing too hard in high-stakes situations, suggesting a return to a more relaxed approach could work wonders.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains supportive of Judge, refusing to alter his spot in the lineup. This sentiment is echoed by other executives who believe in sticking with your star players during critical moments, emphasizing Judge’s track record as one of the league’s elite hitters.
As the postseason continues, there’s hope that Judge can regain his unstoppable form. With a need to wait for pitches in the zone and potentially draw more walks, experts believe that patience could be key to unlocking his potential again.
The Yankees have a daunting challenge ahead, needing to win four consecutive games to turn the tide in the World Series, but there remains optimism that Judge can emerge as a driving force in their quest for victory.
In summary, while Judge faces pressure and a challenging postseason, his history as an elite hitter leaves room for optimism. Fans and analysts alike hope he can rise to the occasion when it matters most. The coming games will be pivotal not just for the Yankees’ championship aspirations but also for Judge’s legacy as a player capable of changing the course of a series with a single swing.