When Aaron Judge is out of the lineup, it shows.
After suffering a torn ligament in his right, big toe on June 3, the New York Yankees outfielder was sidelined for 42 days, and the team suffered in his absence.
However, there is one positive update. Judge will not be undergoing offseason surgery.
Now Yankees manager Aaron Boone can breathe a sigh of relief. He confirmed once again that Judge will not need to undergo a procedure.
“I’ve kind of felt that way for a while,” Boone told the media on Tuesday, including AP Sports. “I think the relief is in that it’s gone as well as it has since he’s come back. The hope was that he would even improve as it’s gone along, and that’s been the case, too. That’s what I’ve seen, the way he’s been able to move around the bases and things like that. I think there’s been a steady improvement the whole time and I think that’s what’s been encouraging.”
Judge suffered the torn ligament after he collided with a Dodger Stadium wall, crushing his foot on concrete, while making a sensational catch.
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The numbers showed quickly the impact Judge has on the team.
Following the injury, the pinstripes lost 23 of 42 games, losing five games in the standings in that span.
The team also hit for an MLB-worst .220 batting average while posting the fourth-lowest OPS (.670) and runs per game (3.9) since June 4.
The Yankees were eliminated from postseason contention this weekend, and finished in last place in their division for the first time since 1990.
Judge hit an MLB-leading 62 home runs in 2022, setting the single-season record for the American League.
Judge also makes an impact that doesn’t involve statistics. His presence on the team has them wanting to be better.
