Why Aaron Judge Is Out of Starting Lineup in Series Opener Against Red Sox
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BOSTON — With the Yankees opening a four-game series against the Red Sox on Thursday night, New York's first trip to Fenway Park this season, it was a bit of a surprise to see Aaron Judge out of the starting lineup.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed a few hours before first pitch that Judge is dealing with some lower body soreness, some normal wear and tear as New York approaches the All-Star break.
"Just the last couple of nights, he's been dealing with some tightness in his lower half," Boone said. "Just felt like today was the day that we needed to have him down."
Judge has been incredible all season long, producing MVP-caliber numbers while playing almost every day, silencing any questions about his injury history and leading the best club in the league. On Wednesday night, during a 16-0 shellacking against the Pirates, the slugger mashed his 30th home run of the season, breaking out of a mini slump in grand fashion.
"Not something I'm overly concerned about, but more importantly just want to be something we get out ahead of and make sure that it doesn't turn into something big," Boone added. "He's able to navigate through these last couple of days, but especially getting in as late as we did last night, it's just not something I want to mess with right now."
Boone specified that Judge is feeling heaviness and tightness in his calves. He doesn't think this is connected to the outfielder's increased playing time in center field this season, rather than his normal spot in right.
"It's been more the last couple of days," the skipper said. "Just grinded through a lot this half and I know when he starts to get that tightness down there, it's not something that I want to become a bigger issue."
Over 80 games this season, Judge is hitting .287/.366/.627 with 30 homers, 64 RBI, 65 runs scored and 3.6 bWAR. His 30 big flies are the most in Major League Baseball.
MORE:
- Hal Steinbrenner, Brian Cashman Haven’t Discussed Contract Extension Yet
- Aaron Judge Blasts Grand Slam For 30th Home Run of Season
- Hal Steinbrenner, Yankees Won't Provide Updates on Extension Talks With Aaron Judge
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