The original words that New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone used to describe Aaron Judge’s injury were “crankiness” and “soreness.” So far, those descriptive words seem to be far from the reality of the current situation Judge is facing.
After participating in light practice drills and indoor hitting, Judge began to feel discomfort in his pec muscle and the back of his right shoulder. It seems as if new locations on his body are beginning to show symptoms of fatigue or other concern.
On Wednesday, Judge underwent a battery of tests to attempt a diagnosis, which has evaded the Yankees as of late. Both Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman have been at a loss for words regarding their slugger. The number of exams he has undergone in the past few weeks are considered a “carwash,” according to Cashman.
“I’ve got nothing more to give, other than the fact that he’s still getting the tests,” Cashman added.
“It’s not like one or two (tests),’’ Cashman said. “It’s a number approaching seven to 10 total, so they can make sure they have a full evaluation and determine what ails him.
“And when they’re complete, we’ll either be able to tell you we’re in the clear…or that we have a full diagnosis and the timeframe and everything else.’’
The New York Yankees were confident…and then they weren’t:
Last week, it seemed as if Judge was making a return to full-time participation, albeit slowly. However, he began to experience pain in his right pectoral area, which force the Yankees to shut him down once again. Every time they attempt to ramp up his production, he seems to slip right back into the previous injury revolution with additional discomfort.
Boone is confident that the Yankees are close to finding the problem that is restraining Judge from joining his team in Grapefruit League play:
“But we feel like we’re getting close to that,” Boone said. “For Aaron, you know, it’s been frustrating. I think for all of us. We want to get to the bottom of it and get answers.”
The reality of the situation is apparent — the Yankees have on clue what’s going on with Judge and a new injury to his pec muscle doesn’t indicate anything positive. Unless they’re conjuring up this entire story to confuse people (unlikely), arguably their best offensive player is in the midst of a medical mystery.
Recently, Judge and Boone had a “great conversation” regarding the injury. As to how conversing about his shoulder discomfort could make a difference is beyond me, which only makes me more concerned about the timetable for recovery.