New York, N.Y. — The New York Yankees faced a significant challenge on Saturday as they took the field without their star outfielder Aaron Judge for the first time this season. The absence was keenly felt in a 9-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, which put the team in a vulnerable position in their ongoing series.
Pre-game announcements indicated that Judge was sidelined due to a right elbow issue, with the player awaiting results from medical imaging. Later, it was confirmed that he suffered a right flexor strain, prompting the Yankees to place him on the 10-day injured list the following morning. This move allowed the team to add utility player Amed Rosario to the roster, shortly after acquiring him from the Washington Nationals.
Manager Aaron Boone mentioned that there is potential for Judge’s return in as little as 10 days, although he is likely to take the field initially as a designated hitter. Eventually, he could return to his outfield position, which would push veteran Giancarlo Stanton back into the outfield—a position he hasn’t occupied since 2023.
The absence of Judge is particularly concerning for the Yankees, even as he struggled at the plate prior to his injury. The 33-year-old slugger registered a .184 batting average and a .750 OPS over his last 11 games, including an uncharacteristic 1-for-13 showing before his elbow issue.
Despite this recent slump, Judge’s overall season performance remains impressive, leading Major League Baseball with a .342 batting average, a 1.160 OPS, and 6.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). His 37 home runs, 24 doubles, 85 RBIs, and 90 runs scored place him as a frontrunner for the American League MVP award. However, his time on the sidelines might provide an opportunity for other contenders, such as Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, to close the gap.
As the Yankees prepare for their final game against the Phillies at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, they will have to cope without their star player until at least August 5. Meanwhile, the team is aiming to maintain its slim 1.5-game lead in the American League Wild Card race.
The Yankees’ ability to secure wins in Judge’s absence will be pivotal for their playoff aspirations as they navigate a competitive landscape in the second half of the season.
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