In a significant step in his recovery, New York Yankees powerhouse slugger Aaron Judge faced live pitching for the first time since his toe injury in June.
On Sunday, Judge took on teammate Jonathan Loaisiga in a simulated game, where he saw 16 pitches, showing promising signs of improvement.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed his satisfaction with Judge’s performance, saying: “To be able to take pitches where your swing says no, those are tests that he’s got to go through in working his way back. So it seemed like a good day all around.”
Judge’s progression has picked up speed since the All-Star break, as he began taking batting practice on the field, running the bases, fielding fly balls in the outfield, and tracking pitches in Nestor Cortes’ simulated game during New York’s recent road trip through Anaheim and Colorado.
Loaisiga, who was on his own rehab journey from right elbow surgery, acknowledged the challenges Judge faced in the simulated game and said: “When you take into consideration how long he hasn’t seen live pitching in an environment like that, I thought he looked pretty good.”
The Yankees are eagerly awaiting feedback from Judge before deciding on the next steps of his rehabilitation process.
Sunday’s session took place in front of a watchful audience, including Judge’s teammates, young Little Leaguers in the left-field stands, and some Royals players, such as reliever Jose Cuas and his young son.
The injury setback occurred when Judge crashed into the right-field wall at Dodger Stadium while making a catch on a drive by J.D. Martinez.
Despite missing 10 games earlier this season with a right hip strain, Judge’s presence has been crucial for the team, contributing to a 30-19 record when he’s on the field.
The 2022 AL MVP, known for his impressive home run record, is hitting .291 with 19 homers and 40 RBIs in the first season of a massive $360 million, nine-year contract he signed during the offseason.
The Yankees have struggled mightily without him and it’s clear that his return to the field is needed if the Bombers are going to make a series run this season.
Assuming Judge makes it back relatively soon, do you think the Yankees have a shot to win their first World Series since 2009?
Or are their problems just too big to overcome this season?