The New York Yankees put up nine runs against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday evening, despite a tough effort by their opponent. The Yankees lead 8-0 at one point, but the Braves put six runs on the board, despite losing 9-6.
In the fifth inning of the contest, star slugger Aaron Judge hit a solo home run. As he rounded second base, he grimaced a bit, indicating slight pain.
Immediately after the inning, Judge was pulled from the game and spent some time watching from the dugout. However, they eventually moved him to the clubhouse, where he likely received treatment. The Yankees tried to keep this issue under wraps, but with Judge being dropped from the lineup on Wednesday evening, things are becoming more skeptical.
Boone mentioned “lower body tightness” as the reason for leaving Judge out of the lineup.
The New York Yankees need Aaron Judge to be healthy:
Judge has been on fire with the Yankees through 16 games, posting a .290 batting average with an insane .758 slugging percentage. Overall, he has been on fire and a catalyst for the Yankees on offense. Of course, his defense is one of the most premier aspects of his game, ranking at the top of the league in arm strength and fielding efficiency at the position.
Losing him will be devastating, but luckily the Yankees have a stacked taxi squad. They recently pulled up outfielder Clint Frazier, who will start in place of Judge in right field.
Frazier has been waiting patiently for his opportunity to start with the first team. Manager Aaron Boone called upon Miguel Andujar to start in left field several times this season, but poor at-bats and an inability to produce on offense has forced him to make a move.
Frazier will now get the start in the absence of Judge, who Boone hopes will be available on Friday against the Boston Red Sox.
Boone specifically said: “I hope so, but that’s a long way from now.â€