San Diego — Aaron Judge stepped up to home plate at Petco Park on Friday afternoon. For the first time in 96 days, he was in an MLB batter’s box, ready for batting practice. Though it was a practice session, it marked a significant milestone for Judge and the New York Yankees. After a three-month absence due to a stress fracture in his right rib, Judge was near his return to the lineup.
That return has now happened. On Monday, following a round of live batting practice at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees activated Aaron Judge in preparation for their series against the Colorado Rockies starting Tuesday. Judge was at the U.S. Open when the announcement was made, watching Coco Gauff play against Iva Jović.
Judge was seen smiling with his wife, Samantha Bracksieck, as they enjoyed the tennis match. Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones highlighted the importance of Judge’s return, saying, “Adding a three-time MVP like Judge to the lineup is huge. We’ve managed to win without him, but having him back gives us extra offensive power.”
To accommodate Judge on the roster, Chase Hampton, a former top pitching prospect, was designated for assignment.
Judge’s absence from the team began after his last game on May 31. Since June 1, the Yankees have won 45 games, the ninth-highest in the league during that period. Their pitching performed exceptionally with a 3.24 ERA, the best in MLB since June 1. However, their offense has struggled; they’ve only been less effective than the Los Angeles Angels by wRC+ since Judge left.
The Yankees focused on power hitting, particularly home runs. Before June, they led MLB in home runs but dropped to the tenth position after Judge’s absence. Catcher Austin Wells noted the impact of Judge’s return. He said, “His presence at the top of the lineup boosts our team, especially as we enter a crucial part of the season.”
Judge’s absence affected the Yankees in several subtle ways. They scored fewer runs in the first inning without him, dropping from second to last in MLB for first-inning runs. Their fly-ball rate fell from tenth to nineteenth, while their ground-ball rate increased to the fifth-highest.
Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger are likely to benefit directly with Judge. Their performances have dipped without him; Rice’s wRC+ fell from 189 to 115 and Bellinger from 141 to 86.
Bellinger remarked, “Having Judge back helps everyone.” Aaron Judge taking batting practice at Yankee Stadium was shared by MLB Network.
Without Judge, the offense struggled, leading to close games and frequent use of key relievers Paul Blackburn and Brent Headrick. The bullpen has been heavily taxed and could now benefit from additional offensive production.
The Yankees dealt with issues against left-handers, falling from the best to nineteenth by wRC+ without Judge. His return provides balance against right-handers, offering manager Aaron Boone more options.
Boone expressed that Judge’s return is significant not only for his production but also for improving the lineup. Judge’s leadership extends off-field with advice and insights during hitter meetings, sharing his experiences.
Player Jazz Chisholm Jr., despite a challenging season, appreciated Judge’s support, emphasizing his positive impact. Spencer Jones noted Judge’s help with swing technique, facilitated by a shared coach.
On the field, Judge’s presence is unmatched. Boone praised him as “the best player in the world.” With his return, the Yankees, trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by four games, are pushing for the American League East title with 19 games remaining.
After a 99-day absence, Aaron Judge returns to the lineup, ready to compete on Day 100.
Leave a Reply