Drama at Yankee Stadium as Aaron Boone forces benched Aaron Judge out of Rockies game early
Aaron Judge is back, but his return didn’t go as planned.
The New York Yankees opened their series against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday with one of the most anticipated moments of the season: Aaron Judge’s return to the lineup after nearly three months away from action.
The Yankees captain stepped back onto the field for the first time since May 31 , but his return did not come with offensive production. Judge went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts on a night when he still showed signs of needing to regain his timing at the plate.
Yankees handle Aaron Judge’s return cautiously
The team removed Judge before the start of the seventh inning, a move that was already expected after manager Aaron Boone said before the game that the star outfielder would not play a full nine innings.
Judge played six innings in right field before being replaced by Heliot Ramos .
Judge’s return sparks reactions
Although Judge’s bat did not come alive in his first game back, his presence drew a huge ovation at Yankee Stadium, where fans celebrated seeing one of the team’s biggest stars return to action.
Analyst Sarah Langs highlighted a historic note: alongside Spencer Jones, Judge made the Yankees the first recorded MLB team to have two position players standing at least 6-foot-7 on the roster in the same season.
“With Spencer Jones and Aaron Judge, the Yankees are the first MLB team on record with multiple position players 6 ft 7 in or taller in a season”
Analyst Jake Storiale explained that Judge looked energized but still needs to regain his offensive timing.
“Judge thoughts: Looked pretty amped! Big salute to the bleachers. Had to catch his breath his first AB First at bat, the two sliders he got are normally porched. You almost see him look there like that’s where he thought it’d go. 3rd AB, 2-0 fastball he’d want back. Hes back.”
Reporter Jorge Castillo noted that Judge ended his night after looking at strike three against left-hander Mark Manfredi in the sixth inning. His first appearance since May ended with a line of 0 hits in three at-bats and two strikeouts.
“Aaron Judge struck out looking against left-hander Mark Manfredi in the sixth inning. His night is now over. Heliot Ramos takes over for him in right field. Judge went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in his first game since May 31.”
Despite the lack of offensive production, fans appreciated seeing the franchise player back on the field.
Judge will now look to regain his competitive rhythm in the upcoming games as the Yankees hope to have their biggest offensive weapon fully ready for the final stretch of the season.
