Even with the addition of Juan Soto, the New York Yankees need Aaron Judge in the lineup. So, Tuesday morning’s news will undoubtedly cause concern throughout Yankees nation. Judge told reporters that he underwent an MRI on Monday on his abs. While the test came back clean, he will not swing a bat until later this week.
Judge also said he is taking it slow for now and still wants to play on Opening Day. This news comes after manager Aaron Boone told reporters on Monday that Judge has been feeling sore but downplayed the severity.
Aaron Judge underwent an MRI on Monday after reporting discomfort in his abdominal section and expects to resume swinging a bat later in the week. The Yankees outfielder said his goal is to be ready for Opening Day.
“We ran tests and everything came back good,” Judge said. “It’s…
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 12, 2024
Aaron Judge Underwent an MRI on Monday
“[Judge is] a little mid-spring beat up with all the work they do in the cage and the back fields,” Boone said Monday.
Judge exited Sunday’s games after only two at-bats. While fans and media members raised eyebrows at the move, Judge and Boone said it was planned extra rest. Boone revealed that before the game, Judge asked for just two at-bats to get extra rest for his soreness.
The team’s initial plan was for Judge not to play in games on Monday, to take batting practice on Tuesday, and then to play in Wednesday’s game. That will no longer happen.
Perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that Judge is banged up. In 16 spring plate appearances, Judge is hitting .143/.250/.214 with no homers, two walks, and five strikeouts.
While pitchers are typically ahead of hitters in spring, and pre-season stats historically don’t mean much, Judge’s struggles are interesting in light of his MRI. The slugger’s health status is extra interesting, considering the team’s most important pitcher also recently underwent an MRI.
The Yankees expected the oft-injured Judge to see extended time in center field this season. A corner outfield spot would save significant wear and tear on the almost 32-year-old’s body. However, with the moves this winter, the squad’s best alignment (considering offense and defense) sees Judge in center.
Yankees fans went a little stir crazy after Aaron Judge was lifted early on Sunday.https://t.co/iXHonpjGIG
— Yanks Go Yard (@YanksGoYardFS) March 10, 2024
Judge’s current health status only gives more ammunition to those that initially questioned the decision to put more stress on Judge’s body. Since becoming a regular player in 2017, Judge has played 148 games or more in just three of six full seasons. He missed over half of the team’s games in the shortened 2020 season.
Yankees Outfield Depth Options
Judge’s getting an MRI is a scary reminder of how dead the 2023 Yankees looked in his absence. That said, general manager Brian Cashman deserves credit for acquiring star power in Soto and bringing in needed quality depth. If Judge misses time in the regular season, the team should be able to cover his absence better than they did last year.
With Judge healthy, the Yankees expected to use Trent Grisham as a fourth outfielder, who comes in the game as a defensive replacement most nights. If Judge is out, Grisham likely will play most games in the center. While Grisham possesses limited offensive upside, the Yankees will benefit from his elite glove.
Alex Verdugo has not played center field since 2021, and metrics don’t like his performance in almost 900 career innings. However, the Yankees can slide him there from left field occasionally if needed.
Top prospect Jasson Domínguez represents the center field option with perhaps the most upside. Unfortunately, he is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and will be out until mid-season.
Main Photo Credits: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
