New York Yankees: Aaron Judge is back!

After a dismal week filled with injuries, the New York Yankees finally have some good news: Aaron Judge is back!

Almost 2-weeks ago, Aaron Judge was removed from a game against the Atlanta Braves with an apparent calf injury. Days later, the New York Yankees announced that the slugger would be placed on the IL… again.

This prompted conversations among media members and fans about Judge’s proneness to injury. Since first being called up in 2016, Judge has been placed on the IL four times.

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1. 9/14/2016 – Right oblique strain
2. 7/27/2018 – Right wrist fracture
3. 4/21/2019 – Left oblique strain
4. 8/14/2020 – Right calf strain

These stints don’t include Judge’s injury entering the 2020 MLB season when it was revealed that he had fractured a rib after making a diving catch in the 2019 ALCS against the Houston Astros. That injury was set to sideline him for several weeks had the COVID pandemic not shut down the world of sports.

There is good news, however, despite missing a large number of games because of these injuries, when it matters most, Aaron Judge is there.

During the 2017 postseason, for example, in 13 G he slugged .500, smacking 4 HR and 11 RBI. In 2018, though the Yankees were eliminated in five games against Boston, Judge hit 3 HR, 8 RBI, while posting a stellar 1.447 OPS.

Cut to 2019, and despite a dip in power, you’re seeing a versatile player making him useful when it matters most. On top of elite defensive plays, Judge would post an OBP of .390 and score 6 R.

So, as in 2017, 2018, and 2019, this season Judge will be there when it matters most.

So, when the Yankees return to play against the Braves, expect to see Judge’s name back in the lineup, especially after Aaron Boon said this:

"“He looks good… when we return, Aaron will be there.”"

As the New York Yankees enter the homestretch, trailing the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East by 0.5 games, Judge will be there to help the team get over the hump.