Trying to figure out how Aaron Judge is feeling is about as difficult as a first date. The New York Yankees have been dealing with injuries regarding their top slugger for two years now, and minor things continue to build up into significant problems.
After suffering a stress fracture in a rib on a diving catch last September, Judge was forced to take time off from baseball and recover. The past few months of MLB shut down has given him ample time to heal and hopefully prepare for Opening Day in late July.
In 2019, he played in just 102 games, hitting 27 home runs and 55 RBIs. His .272 batting average was the lowest since his first year in 2016 when he played just 27 games.
The expectation is that 2020 will offer him a better opportunity to remain healthy in a condensed 60 game schedule.
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On Monday, Judge was motivated that he will be ready for the upcoming campaign with the Yankees
“I’m game-ready. Like I told you guys in spring training, I was going to be ready for Opening Day,” Judge said after Monday’s practice, via ESPN. “I’m feeling good. The biggest thing now is just getting the reps in because I missed so many at-bats in spring training. I didn’t get all the reps in the outfield, reps on the bases. Right now, it’s just about getting my timing back in the game and just getting my game reps in and go out there for 60 games.”
Judge also mentioned his apprehension due to the virus and how playing presents certain risks for the Yankees. However, the love of the game continues to push him forward.
“There’s obviously a risk — of anything,” he said. “Just walking outside, there’s a risk. Leaving your apartment, there’s a risk. There’s risk everywhere, but I love this game, and I love the team that we’ve got here and the opportunity we have here.”
Accountability seems to be the mantra for the Yankees, who will be looking out for each other and ensuring they remain as safe as possible throughout the next few weeks and the start of the regular season.
“That’s what we talked about as a team and with each other, hammering being accountable for each other,” Judge said. “Watching out for each other. Making sure you’re washing your hands, making sure you wear your mask, making sure you’re doing the things so that everybody stays healthy and stays on the field.”
Staying together limits their exposure, but once they are playing against different teams, things become more complicated. With DJ LeMahieu and Luis Cessa both contracting the virus, the Yankees will be more cautious than ever.