The Yankees will be without Aaron Judge for the foreseeable future after placing the superstar outfielder on the 10-day injured list less than a week after he suffered a hip injury against the Twins.
New York (15–14) announced the move on Monday ahead of its series opener against the Guardians, which would’ve been Judge’s fourth-consecutive missed game. The reigning AL MVP had not played since exiting mid-game against the Rangers on Thursday due to a right hip strain he sustained on an awkward slide during the Yankee’s series finale against the Twins the night prior.
Monday’s IL decision came on the heels of Yankees manager Aaron Boone telling reporters on Sunday the team would evaluate the injured slugger to begin the week. Prior to New York placing Judge on IL, Boone addressed the 31-year-old’s status during a media session, where he stated the four-time All-Star was being “realistic” about his road to recovery.
“I think Aaron’s being realistic,” Boone said, per MLB.com. “He understands what’s at stake and that it’s important. So we’re having real conversations. I don’t want to close the door on (him) if he’s ready to play in a couple days.”
With Judge now sidelined for the time being, the Yankees will have to find ways to rally without their captain out of the clubhouse. Following Monday’s home game against Cleveland, New York will play two more games in the series before traveling to Tampa for a three-game stand against the Rays beginning May 5.
On the season, Judge has slashed .261/.352/.511 with six homers, 14 RBI and 18 runs in 26 games.
