New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has officially been activated off the Injury List after dealing with hip issues that kept him out of action for more than two weeks. The 28-year-old was in the starting lineup as a designated hitter for Monday’s game against the Kansas City Royals, batting third in a lineup that currently sits in last place in the American League East.
The Yankees have been dealing with a slew of injuries this season, with Judge serving as just the latest affected player. The team has struggled as a result, currently standing at a record of 33-32 and seven games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays in their division. With Judge returning to the lineup, Yankees fans are hopeful that the team’s fortunes will change.
This isn’t Judge’s first time dealing with hip issues. He missed time last season with a similar injury, and his return to the lineup was a significant boost for the struggling Yankees. However, he also dealt with other injuries throughout the year, leaving some fans concerned about his durability over the long-term.
Despite the injury concerns, Judge remains one of the most exciting players in baseball when healthy. He burst onto the scene in 2017 with an incredible rookie season, hitting 52 home runs and earning unanimous American League Rookie of the Year honors. He’s continued to be a dominant force at the plate over the last few seasons, although injuries have robbed him of some playing time.
The Yankees will certainly be looking for Judge to provide a spark to their struggling lineup. He’s one of the few players on the team capable of hitting for both power and average, and his defense in right field is widely regarded as among the best in the game. If he can stay healthy and continue to produce at the plate, there’s a chance the Yankees could turn around their fortunes and make a playoff run in the second half of the season.
For now, though, the team and fans alike are simply relieved to have Judge back in the lineup. His return to the field is a reminder of just how talented he is, and how much the Yankees rely on him when they’re at their best. With their season on the line, there’s no doubt that Judge’s return is a major boost for the team’s chances of success.
