Aaron Judge Takes a Well-Deserved Day Off Amid an Impressive Season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After a stellar start to the season, Aaron Judge finally took a break from the lineup on Thursday, June 12. Known for his unwavering resilience, Judge has been at the forefront of the New York Yankees’ offense, raising some eyebrows during the decision-making process surrounding his day off.

The Perfect Timing for Rest

Yankees manager Aaron Boone had strategically earmarked June 12 as a good day for Judge to recharge, especially with a grueling stretch of 16 consecutive games ahead. Boone’s choice was initially met with resistance from Judge, who confidently set a challenge: if he homered in both the first two games against the Kansas City Royals, Boone would reconsider his decision.

• Judge’s Recent Performance:
  • Games Played: 66
  • Home Runs: 25
  • Batting Average: .394
  • On-Base Percentage: 1.269 OPS
• He managed to hit a home run in both games leading up to his day off, keeping up his remarkable pace of being on target for 61 home runs this season.

“[He] kind of looked at me, like, ‘Hey…’” Boone shared with a grin, acknowledging Judge’s pushback but ultimately deciding a day of rest was beneficial.

Why a Day Off Matters

Despite Judge’s impressive performance, Boone emphasized the importance of managing his playing time wisely. With an upcoming series against the Boston Red Sox and a day game scheduled shortly after, Boone believed this was the right moment for a breather.

Key Factors for Judge’s Day Off:

• Upcoming Schedule: 16 games in 16 days, highlighting the need for stamina.
• Lefty Matchups: The Royals had started left-handed pitchers for the initial two games, while Judge’s performance generally improves against right-handers.
• Rest Benefits: “I never want him out of the lineup,” Boone stated, “but this rest hopefully pays dividends in the long run.”

Exceptional Season Continues

Judge’s start to the season has been nothing short of historic. With his recent figures, he’s not just leading in home runs but also setting records.

• Historic Stats:
  • Reached base safely in 62 of 66 games.
  • Managed multiple on-base appearances in an MLB-high 51 games, a feat only accomplished in modern history by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
• Triple Crown Contender: As of June 12, Judge is leading the American League in:
  • Batting Average: Leading by 28 points over the second-place player.
  • RBIs: Maintaining a slim margin of two RBIs over his closest rival.
  • Home Runs: Just one behind the league leader.

Judge’s Overall Value

Including his superb defense in right field, Judge holds a 5.9 fWAR, a full 1.9 points ahead of his nearest competitor. Boone acknowledged Judge’s consistent excellence this season, remarking, “I feel like he’s just playing well… but I’m still waiting for him to catch fire. That’s when it gets really scary.”

Conclusion

Aaron Judge’s break on June 12 was not just a day off; it was a strategic move for long-term benefits as the Yankees face a demanding stretch of games. His historic performance so far has elevated him as a contender not just for the AL MVP but for achieving individual milestones as he continues to dominate in Major League Baseball.

For more updates on Aaron Judge and the Yankees, visit ESPN and stay tuned to the latest game highlights.