New York Yankees News/Rumors: Aaron Judge’s new smile, Yankees react to German’s apology, and more

New York Yankees, Aaron Judge
Oct 19, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after striking out in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in game six of the 2019 ALCS playoff baseball series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees‘ Aaron Judge showed up for an interview yesterday sporting a new smile. It looks like he’s had some dental work done. His smile now is broad and without the gap between his two front teeth.  Aaron Judge has always had an infectious smile, but not it’s perfect. This is not the first time Judge has had dental work done. In celebrating a game-winning home run by Brett Gardner in 2017, he was hit in the teeth by a flying helmet that chipped his tooth.

“It got me pretty good,” Judge said at the time. “It kind of shocked me at first. I thought both my teeth got knocked in. I just tried to cover it up as fast as I can and get out of there.”

Judge has certainly had his share of injuries in the past two years. Last season he only played in half the games and only garnered up a .257 batting average. Judge started the season on fire, hitting 9 home runs in just the first eighteen games. Upon returning to the team, he didn’t hit another home run for the rest of the regular season. This is an important year for the 28-year-old, who will try to stay healthy with a looming contract extension a possibility. He was asked about an extension but said there had been no meaningful discussions between him and the Yankees. At least now he can talk about it with a newly aligned smile.

Yankee players and Boone react to German’s apology

By now, we all know about Domingo German’s altercation with the mother of his child and the resulting 81 game suspension. After talks with management, he has been allowed back with the team, and previous to the recent revelations of the severity of his actions was to be the fifth in line in the New York Yankees starting rotation.

German took to Zoom to apologize to the New York Yankee organization, fans, and fellow players in a sincere play to repair his reputation. Players like Zack Britton were not impressed. But Luke Voit, Giancarlo Stanton, and manager Boone himself came out in support of the pitcher.

“We have his back, but he’s skating on thin ice and he needs to get his life together.” For good measure, Voit added: “He messed up. A lot of guys look at him differently now, but I believe in second chances, and the guy deserves a second chance.”

“In the clubhouse, we all have difficult things go on, some a lot worse than others. But it’s our job to support in the right way when given the opportunity.” said Stanton.

“He has done enough to earn the opportunity to be here and compete and to be a part of this team,” manager Aaron Boone said of German. “Now the proof is in the daily life that he leads.

Gerrit Cole wants to try out the new baseball

Cole said he’s been unable to see if the balls being used this season will be any different than in years past. MLB earlier announced that a new ball would be used this season. MLB tried to make the baseball less bouncy. When the baseball is changed even minutely, it acts differently. Cole has been trying to get a straight answer if the balls he has used since training camp started were old balls or new ones. Because of changes in the ball, reportedly, there will be fewer home runs this season.

“I’ve been trying to get my hands on balls here [in camp] and no one can tell me if we’re using the balls from this year or last year,’’ Cole said. “I’m happy there was an [admission] there’s been some tinkering. All players have known it the last three or four years, at least. It’s another look behind the curtain at the Wizard of Oz and smoke and mirrors. Let’s be a little more honest about that kind of stuff.”