Aaron Judge Struggles Yet Shines Amidst Injury Concerns

Aaron Judge’s return to right field for the Yankees against the Blue Jays has garnered attention, particularly due to his ongoing recovery from a right elbow flexor strain. In his second game back in three days, Judge’s performance showcased both his resilience and the challenges posed by the injury.

Mixed Results on the Field

Judge’s arm, typically a formidable asset, showed signs of impact due to the strain. Throughout the game, the Blue Jays tested his throwing capability multiple times, with varying results:

• Second Inning Throw: Judge made a strong throw attempting to catch Ernie Clement at second, clocking in at a surprising 70 mph, compared to his season average of 90 mph before the injury.

• Runners on Second and Third: When Nathan Lukes hit a fly ball, Judge opted to throw to cutoff man Jazz Chisholm Jr., allowing Clement to score without a throw. This decision highlighted concerns about Judge’s arm strength.

• Continued Testing: In the top of the third, George Springer doubled into the right field, and Judge’s throw was even lower, registering at only 62 mph.

These moments illustrate that while teams may continue to challenge Judge’s arm, he remains an invaluable player defensively. After making a crucial diving catch to end the top of the fourth, he saved a run and contributed to the Yankees’ close 4-3 victory.

Manager’s Insights

Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed cautious optimism about Judge’s performance, stating:

“I thought Judge’s throws were good. We will continue to discuss how often he and Giancarlo Stanton feel comfortable playing in the outfield.”

Despite speculation, Boone did not consider substituting Judge late in the game, highlighting his importance to the team’s defensive strategy.

Paul Goldschmidt’s Absence

In a related injury update, Paul Goldschmidt sat out for a second consecutive game due to a bone bruise in his right knee. Boone characterized the injury as "pretty manageable," noting:

“It bothers him some days more than others.”

Goldschmidt eventually entered the game as a defensive replacement, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged despite health concerns.

Yankees’ Stealing Streak

In addition to the defensive actions, Judge and Chisholm each stole bases during the game, contributing to the Yankees’ impressive base-stealing performance. They’ve totaled 52 stolen bases over the last 41 games, leading the majors in this statistic. This year’s total of 116 stolen bases marks the Yankees’ highest since 2011.

Honoring Legends

In a pregame ceremony, CC Sabathia was celebrated for his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch, though it elicited some humor as it bounced before reaching Luis Gil.

Conclusion

The Yankees continue to navigate player health and performance as they advance in the season. Judge, despite his challenges, remains a crucial player for the team’s success. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as he pushes through his recovery, while the team capitalizes on their newfound speed on the bases.

For more insights, check out related articles on Yankees’ performance or explore player health updates at ESPN Sports Medicine.

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