Judge was leading the American League in home runs (19) and OPS (1.089) at the time of the injury. He was also the leading vote-getter in the AL outfield for the MLB All-Star Game.
The Yankees have not yet put a timetable on Judge’s return, but manager Aaron Boone said he expects the slugger to miss “a good chunk” of the season.
“It’s a tough one,” Boone said. “He’s been playing so well, and he’s such an important part of what we do.”
Judge’s injury is a major blow to the Yankees, who are currently in third place and 9.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. The team must find a way to replace his production in the lineup, especially with the trade deadline approaching.
The Yankees have a few options to fill in for Judge. Jake Bauers and Giancarlo Stanton are platooning in right field for now, but no one on the Yankees roster or down on the farm can replace what Judge gives New York in offensive production.
Conclusion
Aaron Judge’s injury is a major blow to the Yankees. The slugger is one of the best players in baseball, and the team will continue to feel his absence.
Judge is +5000 to win the American League MVP Award, and it’s a shame for Judge because he had a chance to win the award for the second-consecutive season. Still, he will miss most of the regular season and won’t be eligible to take home his second-consecutive AL MVP.
The Yankees are -215 (Yes) to make the playoffs, but the Yankees are 7-10 since Judge went out on June 3. New York has injury issues with its starting rotation, and their patch-work rotation is 20th in baseball in team ERA and Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
The Yankees to miss the playoffs NO (+190) might be the better bet as New York is currently +0.5 games ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros.
The Yankees also have to stave off the Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, and Seattle Mariners, who are all just three games behind New York in the AL Wild Card race.
