What's Happening?
The New York Yankees have activated Aaron Judge from the injured list, hoping his return will help the team regain its footing in the American League East. Judge, a two-time AL MVP, was sidelined for 10 days due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. Despite the injury, an MRI revealed no acute damage to his ulnar collateral ligament. Judge received a platelet-rich injection on July 27, which facilitated his recovery. His return comes as the Yankees face a challenging period, having fallen to third place in the AL East after a series of losses. Judge's performance prior to the injury was impressive, with a .342 batting average, 37 home runs, and 85 RBIs, making him a crucial player for the Yankees' lineup. To accommodate Judge's return, Austin Slater, a recent acquisition, was placed on the injured list due to a hamstring issue.
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Why It's Important?
Aaron Judge's return is significant for the Yankees as they attempt to reverse their recent downturn and secure a playoff spot. His presence in the lineup is expected to bolster the team's offensive capabilities, which have been lacking during his absence. The Yankees' current standing in the wild-card race makes every game critical, and Judge's ability to contribute both offensively and defensively could be pivotal. Additionally, his return may influence the team's strategy regarding player positions, particularly with Giancarlo Stanton, who has been filling in as the designated hitter. The Yankees' performance in the coming weeks will be closely watched as they strive to improve their standing in the division and secure a postseason berth.
What's Next?
The Yankees will continue their series against the Texas Rangers, with Judge expected to play a key role. Manager Aaron Boone has indicated that Judge will initially serve as the designated hitter, with the possibility of returning to the outfield as his condition improves. The team's performance in the upcoming games will be crucial in determining their playoff prospects. The Yankees are currently in a wild-card spot, but with 49 games left in the regular season, maintaining or improving their position will require consistent wins. The team's management and fans will be keenly observing Judge's impact on the field and his ability to stay healthy for the remainder of the season.
