Getty Image / Jim McIsaac
It hasn’t been the season that New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge wanted. Coming off a record-breaking season in 2022, the reigning MVP has been out of the lineup more than he has been in it.
Following another great start to the season, Aaron Judge hurt himself chasing after a ball at Dodger Stadium. And the injury has lingered. Take a look, at it’s quite the freak injury to his toe.
Aaron Judge has zero plans to sue the Dodgers when asked if he planned to file a lawsuit.
The Yankees captain has been sidelined since early June with a toe injury after crashing through a fence at Dodger Stadium on this play.pic.twitter.com/eiswSancLk
— Yahoo Sports MLB (@MLByahoosports) July 7, 2023
He hasn’t played since June 3, and in his absence, the Yankees have struggled. They’re five games under .500 since the injury to Aaron Judge, as the lineup has really sputtered. That’s understandable, considering the slugger’s American League-record 62 homers last year and 40 RBI through 49 games this year.
Lately, he’s been seen increasing his activity level, doing some on-field running around the basepath as well as taking batting practice.
Aaron Judge taking more batting practice today pic.twitter.com/DxYxncmIAy
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) July 15, 2023
Aaron Judge is running the bases for the first time since his injury pic.twitter.com/vlBLIjC5ur
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) July 19, 2023
The question remains whether Aaron Judge will be at full strength when he returns and tries to push the Yankees into the playoffs. Unfortunately for pinstripe fans, a fully-health Aaron Judge doesn’t seem likely.
Aaron Judge on his return: "It's not going to be pain-free, but we'll just get as close to manageable as we can."
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) July 21, 2023
Yeah, not what yout to hear if you’re a fan of the Bronx Bombers. Obviously, this season is important, but the fact they signed him to a 9-year, $360 million deal last year means if this turns into something chronic, it could be a major problem for the future success of the franchise.
As of Saturday evening, The Yankees sit at 52-47, a half game out of the final wild card spot in the AL.