New York Yankees: Is Aaron Judge Back?

New York Yankees, Aaron Judge
Jul 1, 2018; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a home run in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

New York Yankees’ slugger Aaron Judge caught fire this West Coast trip where he’s had three “Judgeian blasts” – something fans haven’t seen in a long while. Prior to this home run streak, the last time the Judge had pulled a home run was in last year’s Wild Card game against the Oakland Athletics.

These last three home runs have been BOMBS too. All over 400 feet, the home run against the Athletics was 467 feet that were hit at 116mph.

Earlier this season, it seemed that he was only able to take pitches the other way and was having trouble turning on the ball with power. I credit this to his oblique injury, which is stressed during his swing. Also, his wrist injury from last season took from him as well. Judge uses “tilt” with the bat as a timing mechanism. So, when his wrist was hurt, that threw off everything he knew about his swing.

To see where Judge was with his injuries, take a look at this video. It outlines everything he’s been through and where he is now.

To see Judge swinging the bat like everyone knows he can is very refreshing. Heading into the postseason, the New York Yankees will need 2017 postseason Judge, who was an unstoppable force at the plate.

This West Coast series is important for the Yankees because they know what it’ll show heading into the playoffs. He said this heading into the nine-game set, “We know what kind of teams we’re facing. Going up against Oakland and Dodgers and Seattle, three good ball clubs, and that Dodgers series could be a postseason matchup right there.”