Aaron Judge Makes Triumphant Return to Yankees Lineup, Feeling “Good” as Bombers Eye World Series

Is this the return of the Big Evil Empire? The New York Yankees’ spring training hasn’t been anything other than average. With players still trying to regain confidence the clubhouse looked like a massive work in progress. However, things may have finally turned around in The Bronx after their recent outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The best part? Their captain Aaron Judge also made a triumphant return to form.

Ever since the abdominal issues came out 10 days ago, All Rise has been absent from the field. However, even before that, his form had left a lot to desire. With the slugger visibly protecting his toe, there was a clear decrease in his swing quality. However, those worries are out of the window after his recent “fun” display. 

Aaron Judge eliminates worries as the return to form looks closer than ever

Finally, the Yankees can rejoice. After his ab issues increased fears, their captain is finally back on the team. As SNY reported, Judge shared via YES broadcast that he “felt great.” The excitement was palpable in All Rise: “Finally got a chance to get out of the cage and get out there. It was fun being a part of this game tonight.” 

In a Spring Training game against the Pirates, Judge went 1-for-2 with a double and a walk. In his first at-bat, the former MVP hit a double to score Juan Soto. Judge also managed to score two runs. When asked whether he felt any strain on his abdomen, Judge revealed that he didn’t. 

While this was Judge’s first time on the plate since March 10, the star had been training in a batting cage for quite some time. While a full recovery is yet to come he went through the Wednesday game quite easily. As a result, Judge is expected to start against the New York Mets on Friday too. On top of just hitting, there’s a chance that All Rise will play in the left field.

However, until then there are a lot of positives to take away from this game. The Yankees finally put it all together today, with almost every player contributing in a dominant performance.

New York Yankees back to their scary best as World Series dream strengthens

The game finished with a 12-0 score. With nearly every Yankees hitter getting a hit, it was a good day at work for the sluggers. But while Judge’s return is rightly being lauded, the real star of the show was Giancarlo Stanton.

The former MVP finally showed his explosive sight hit three home runs and had an RBI of 8. Apart from this the pitching lineup led by Luke Weaver limited the Pirates to just 4 hits and 1 walk. The performance was good enough for Judge to show appreciation for his teammates.

“With Stanton doing his thing, everyone in the lineup clicking on all cylinders. It was fun to watch,” Judge said.

With the Yankees finally discovering good form, their World Series hopes have just gotten a big boost. But the question remains – can they sustain this over 162 games?

Read more: Eyeing Aaron Judge’s Longevity, Could a First Base Switch Be on the Cards Eventually?