What's Happening?
Aaron Judge, the captain of the New York Yankees, is set to be activated from the 10-day injured list following a flexor strain in his right elbow. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Judge's availability for the middle game of the three-game series against the Texas Rangers. Judge, who has not played since July 25, has been recovering from an elbow strain that showed no acute damage to his ulnar collateral ligament. He received a platelet-rich injection on July 27. Despite his absence, Judge maintains a .342 batting average, leading the majors, and ranks fourth in home runs with 37 and fifth in RBIs with 85. The Yankees, currently in a challenging stretch with an 18-28 record since June 13, hope Judge's return will help them regain momentum as they are now third in the AL East.
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Why It's Important?
Judge's return is crucial for the Yankees as they aim to improve their standing in the AL East. His performance has been a significant asset, and his absence has coincided with the team's struggles, including a recent sweep by the Miami Marlins. The Yankees are currently 5 1/2 games behind the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays and in a wild-card spot, trailing the Boston Red Sox by 2 1/2 games. Judge's presence could provide the necessary boost to the team's offense and morale, potentially altering their trajectory in the remaining 49 games of the regular season.
What's Next?
With Judge set to return as the designated hitter, Boone will assess his ability to play in the field based on his progress in Texas. The Yankees will need to adjust their lineup, especially with Giancarlo Stanton currently serving as the designated hitter. Boone has emphasized the need for the team to play better and win, dismissing any excuses related to stress or pressure. The Yankees will continue their series against the Rangers, hoping to capitalize on Judge's return to improve their record and secure a stronger position in the playoffs.
