Aaron Judge will not be in the New York Yankees’ starting lineup due to what manager Aaron Boone referred to as an “elbow issue.” The decision comes after Judge experienced difficulty making throws from right field during the team’s recent 12-5 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. As a result, Boone has ordered scans to determine the extent of the injury.
The results of these tests will provide more insight into Judge’s condition, although Boone has not commented on the severity of the issue. The Yankees, along with their fans, are anxious to know whether there is any structural damage to Judge’s elbow, as this could significantly impact the team’s chances of making a postseason run, especially given Judge’s pivotal role as the reigning AL MVP.
Judge is having another remarkable season, leading the majors in multiple categories, including batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and home runs. His current wRC+ of 208 ranks him among the best in baseball history, marking the third year in the last four that he has surpassed the 200 wRC+ threshold. His performance has placed him as a frontrunner for the MVP award alongside Cal Raleigh of the Mariners.
Should Judge require a stint on the injured list, it could disrupt both his MVP campaign and the Yankees’ competitive aspirations. The Yankees, once leading the AL East, have struggled recently with a 14-22 record over their last 36 games, allowing the Toronto Blue Jays to take a commanding lead. Currently, New York holds the top wild card spot, but their position is precarious.
If it’s a day-to-day injury, it would still pose challenges for the Yankees, especially with no off day until August 7. However, the team may have to reconsider their lineup options if Judge remains sidelined. They could utilize players like Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and Jasson Dominguez in the outfield, while Giancarlo Stanton and Ben Rice share designated hitter duties. This depth could help the Yankees navigate a short absence but, ultimately, replacing a player of Judge’s caliber is nearly impossible.
In a silver lining, this situation arises just ahead of the trade deadline, giving the Yankees’ front office an opportunity to make adjustments based on whether Judge will miss significant time. While they have strong offensive numbers, Judge’s absence would shine a light on the inconsistencies of other players, signaling how critical he is to the team’s success.
As fans await updates on Judge’s condition, there remains hope that any setback will be minor, allowing him to continue his impressive season and contribute to the Yankees’ postseason ambitions.