New York Yankees fans are on edge right now. Star right fielder Aaron Judge is battling a worrying elbow issue, and it’s got everyone wondering if he’ll stay on the field during what’s been an MVP-level season.
Judge’s surprise absence during Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies has only made things more tense. The team’s recent struggles and the looming MLB trade deadline just add to the uncertainty.
Aaron Judge’s Elbow Woes: The Latest Development
Manager Aaron Boone and his staff are fielding tough questions about Judge’s health after the superstar felt discomfort in his right elbow. This is the second time this week the problem has come up, first showing during Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Judge did manage to return Friday, serving as the designated hitter on Wednesday, but sitting out Saturday has everyone worried again. The severity of the injury remains a big unknown.
An Uncertain Diagnosis
Judge underwent tests Saturday morning. He was supposed to meet with Yankees head team physician Christopher Ahmad, who’s well-known for Tommy John surgery expertise.
Boone hasn’t said if the ulnar collateral ligament is involved. If it is, Tommy John surgery could be on the table, which would knock Judge out for months.
Right now, nobody’s sure if Judge’s elbow is a minor issue or something that could completely derail the Yankees’ season. It’s the waiting that’s rough.
Impact on the Yankees Lineup and Outfield Shuffle
With Judge out, Boone made some moves in the outfield for Saturday’s game against the Phillies. Cody Bellinger took over in right, Trent Grisham handled center, and Jasson Dominguez started in left.
The defense held up, but losing Judge is a huge blow. He’s not just a big bat—he’s a leader in the clubhouse, and the offense feels it when he’s gone.
An MVP-Caliber Season
This season, Aaron Judge has shown why he’s one of baseball’s best. The reigning MVP leads the league with a .342 batting average and a 1.160 OPS.
He’s just shy of the MLB home run lead with 37. His steady production has kept the Yankees’ offense afloat, especially with all the other injuries and slumps.
Team Struggles Amplified by Judge’s Absence
The timing here couldn’t be much worse. The Yankees have been slipping in the tough AL East, going 14-23 since mid-June.
They’ve dropped to second place and now trail the Toronto Blue Jays by six games. Judge being out just makes the team’s struggles feel even heavier.
How Will Brian Cashman Respond?
General Manager Brian Cashman is under serious pressure as the trade deadline gets closer. Judge’s injury throws a wrench into things, especially after the recent pickup of Ryan McMahon for third base.
If the news about Judge’s elbow turns out bad, Cashman might have to get aggressive with trades to patch up the lineup and rotation. It’s a tough spot to be in.
Manager Aaron Boone’s Perspective
Talking about Judge, Aaron Boone tried to sound optimistic but didn’t sugarcoat the situation. He said the team needs to know exactly what’s going on with the elbow before making any big decisions.
Boone hopes the injury is manageable, but he’s well aware a long-term problem would be a huge blow to their playoff hopes. It’s a tense wait for everyone involved.
What’s at Stake?
The Yankees’ season and Judge’s historic run hang precariously in the balance. With the trade deadline coming up fast and competition heating up in the AL East, every decision in the next few weeks could change everything.
Fans, teammates, and the front office are all waiting for news on Judge’s condition. Everyone’s bracing for the chance they’ll have to get through a critical stretch without their best player.
Right now, everyone’s watching for Christopher Ahmad’s report and Boone’s next move. The Yankees have to figure out how to handle yet another hurdle in a season that just won’t stop throwing curveballs.
If Judge comes back soon, maybe the Yankees can still chase glory—or at least keep those playoff dreams alive. But if not, well, Bronx Bombers fans might already be thinking about next year, and honestly, who could blame them?
Stay tuned for updates on Aaron Judge’s injury as the Yankees try to push through one of their toughest challenges yet!
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees’ Judge out vs. Phillies with ‘elbow issue’
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