A lot can happen in two years. New York Yankee slugger Aaron Judge has taken a turn for the worst after being named the 2017 AL Rookie of the Year.
Judge has battled numerous injuries over the last two seasons, and he’s just making his way back from a stress fracture in a rib that occurred last September on a diving catch. However, after enjoying several weeks of positive progression and work, Judge was scratched from the lineup on Saturday evening due to a stiff neck.
The slugger was held out of baseball activities for a second straight day on Sunday to receive more treatment. Manager Aaron Boone doesn’t believe it is anything serious, but we have heard that story many times before with Giancarlo Stanton and others.
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Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated:
â€Just thought it was better not to push through it today.â€
With a 60 game condensed schedule starting on July 23, Judge needs to be healthy and prepared to play often. While minor nicks and nacks will undoubtedly be a part of the season, avoiding major injury is essential. Boone is taking the proper precautions by sitting him and making sure he is 100% ready to begin playing again.
Aside from Judge, right-handed pitcher, Masahiro Tanaka began playing catch on Sunday at 100 feet. He is also increasing his cardio. Tanaka took a 112 mph line drive to the head off Giancarlo Stanton’s bat. While it is uncertain when he will return to the mound, Tanaka does not have any concussion symptoms and is working his way back cautiously.