The New York Yankees continue to struggle despite a change of venue, recently experiencing an 8-5 loss to the Texas Rangers. Manager Aaron Boone announced that star player Aaron Judge is set to return to the lineup after missing ten games due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. Judge was listed as the designated hitter for Tuesday’s game, batting in his familiar No. 3 spot in the order, though he will not yet return to the outfield.
The loss to the Rangers marked the Yankees’ fourth consecutive defeat, following a disappointing sweep by the Miami Marlins. The Yankees initially took a 3-0 lead against the Rangers before faltering, and despite regaining a 5-4 advantage, they surrendered a game-tying home run in the ninth inning to Joc Pederson, pushing the game into extra innings. It was a difficult moment for closer Devin Williams, who faced struggles this season, seeing his earned run average balloon to 5.10 after this game.
In the 10th inning, Josh Jung delivered the decisive blow with a walk-off home run, sealing the Yankees’ fate and further complicating their playoff hopes. The Yankees now find themselves at 60-53, trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by 5.5 games in the AL East and tied for the last wild-card spot alongside the Seattle Mariners.
With Judge back in the lineup, the Yankees hope to reverse their recent misfortunes in this critical series against the Rangers. His return comes at a crucial time as the team seeks to reclaim momentum and solidify their postseason aspirations. The pressure is on for the Yankees, but Judge’s presence may provide the boost they desperately need to turn their season around.