For years, the Yankees have survived by leaning entirely on Aaron Judge.
When Judge is healthy, there are a few players in baseball who can carry an offense as he can. He is one of the greatest right-handed hitters of this generation. He’s putting up seasons that share real estate with legends. Now, the New York Yankees are lifeless without him. They’re not just in a slump. They’re spiraling out of control, letting the division slip away.
Judge has been out of the lineup since May 31st with a right rib fracture. While lingering with the injury since late April, the three-time MVP still slugged out 17 home runs in 59 games this season. Though he wasn’t having his expected season of pure dominance, the Yankees were 36-23 up to that point.
Since being put on the injured list, they are 14-17. Without him, the lineup looks completely lost. An offense built on the shoulders of a giant is crashing down rapidly.
Worst of all, Judge isn’t even close to returning. ESPN’s Buster Olney said on Just Baseball Media that, “If you told me that he played next in mid-August or the beginning of September, that wouldn’t be a surprise,” when discussing Judge’s timeframe to return.
When Judge is healthy, there are a few players in baseball who can carry an offense as he can. He is one of the greatest right-handed hitters of this generation. He’s putting up seasons that share real estate with legends. Now, the New York Yankees are lifeless without him. They’re not just in a slump. They’re spiraling out of control, letting the division slip away.
Judge has been out of the lineup since May 31st with a right rib fracture. While lingering with the injury since late April, the three-time MVP still slugged out 17 home runs in 59 games this season. Though he wasn’t having his expected season of pure dominance, the Yankees were 36-23 up to that point.
Since being put on the injured list, they are 14-17. Without him, the lineup looks completely lost. An offense built on the shoulders of a giant is crashing down rapidly.
Worst of all, Judge isn’t even close to returning. ESPN’s Buster Olney said on Just Baseball Media that, “If you told me that he played next in mid-August or the beginning of September, that wouldn’t be a surprise,” when discussing Judge’s timeframe to return.
4 months ago
