New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge’s status for the team’s Opening Day game at the Houston Astros on March 28 is uncertain after the 2022 American League MVP underwent an MRI on his abdomen on Monday, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
Judge, whose MRI came back clean, told reporters that he felt discomfort in his abdominal muscles, adding that he believes it stems from additional work he put in during the winter.
The Yankees captain was then asked if he was confident in being ready for Opening Day.
“I’m pretty sure. I don’t want to speculate or talk about anything that hasn’t come yet. The most important thing is taking some time now and be back out there soon,” Judge said.
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Judge added that he doesn’t expect to swing a bat until the end of the week, at the earliest.
Judge is coming off a 2023 season that saw him maintain his torrid home run pace from his historic 62-homer campaign in ’22 until he suffered a toe injury while crashing into the Dodger Stadium bullpen fence last June.
The injury limited him to 106 games—and prompted the 6’7” slugger to tell the media this spring that the toe ailment will require “constant maintenance.”
Judge’s ailment comes on the heels of news that Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who required an MRI on his elbow, is questionable to be ready for Opening Day.
New York is looking to rebound from last year’s disappointing 82—80 campaign in 2024. It was the first time the club has missed the postseason since 2016.
