New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge dropped a bombshell on Tuesday, revealing that he had undergone an MRI the previous day due to abdominal discomfort. As a result, he’s been sidelined from swinging a bat for the rest of the week. This news came as a surprise, especially since just the day before, Judge had been given a day off by manager Aaron Boone without any mention of a specific issue.
For fans who have witnessed Judge’s struggles with injuries in recent seasons, this latest setback raises concerns about his durability heading into the upcoming season. Judge has battled through oblique and toe injuries in the past, leading to significant time on the sidelines. With him already feeling the effects of wear and tear from spring training, it’s understandable why Yankees supporters might be feeling uneasy.
Sources: Yankees’ superstar Aaron Judge is dealing with an oblique issue and his toe is still ailing him from last year
He is still expected to be ready for Opening Day but he has some pain to manage which is why NYY being cautious
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) March 14, 2024
Despite the uncertainty, Judge himself appears to be taking it in stride, attributing his condition to the daily grind of being a baseball player. He reassured everyone that the tests on his abs came back clear, emphasizing that it wasn’t related to his troublesome oblique. However, his cautious optimism about being ready for Opening Day isn’t exactly reassuring for fans.
Adding to the Yankees’ woes is the situation with their ace pitcher Gerrit Cole, who also underwent an MRI on his right elbow after experiencing difficulties between spring starts. Unlike Judge, Cole has been a model of consistency since joining the Yankees in 2020, making every scheduled start and delivering stellar performances. Losing him for an extended period would be a significant blow to the team’s aspirations for the upcoming season.
Captain Aaron Judge expressed hope for Cole’s recovery, acknowledging the pitcher’s perfectionist nature while also acknowledging the importance of staying optimistic, even in the face of uncertainty. With both Judge and Cole facing health issues just before the start of the season, Yankees fans are undoubtedly on edge, hoping for the best possible outcome.