The Yankees’ injury scares have been terrifying so far! Just before the regular season, the team lost Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Giancarlo Stanton, to name a few. But now it’s time for some of the birds to return to the nest. Yes, the latest update from Manager, Aaron Boone, could fuel the fans’ hope for a better season. However, more than the fans, it is the Bronx Captain, Aaron Judge, who is more motivated.

The Yankees have shown encouraging indications and are currently sailing with a 6-5 record. And now, they are headed to their opening game against the Tigers. But the team is not with its full-strength squad yet. No doubt, it is Important to get the veterans back behind Aaron Judge to compete for the World Series title.

Considering the long and grueling MLB season ahead, Boone doesn’t seem confident enough, despite their remarkable performance through the first five games.

MLB insider Max Goodman shared what Boone has told. “Ian Hamilton is expected to rejoin the bullpen tomorrow, but Boone wants to get through today first.” If that’s not enough, “DJ LeMahieu is with the team in DET. The hope is he’ll start a rehab assignment on Friday.”

Ian Hamilton and DJ LeMahieu both went into the injured list before the regular season. And Hamilton’s return will definitely give the Pinstripes’ broken pitching lineup a new life. While Hamilton’s 2024 season was majorly injury-ridden, his 2.64 ERA from last year might come in handy for the Yankees in the absence of Gil and Cole.

On the other hand, LeMahieu is traveling with the Yankees and is expected to start a minor-league rehab assignment on Friday. It is anticipated that the veteran infielder will require the most, if not all, of his allocated 20 days for rehabilitation.

So, seemingly, a good support for Aaron Judge to place behind Jazz Chisholm.

Despite the lack of depth in the Yankees at the start of the season, Judge is gradually getting back his team. While the Yankees took a formidable start this season, the consecutive defeats were concerning, too. So, nothing better than getting back a few weapons for Judge to turn the tables. Because the upcoming games against the Tigers will pose a good challenge for the Yankees.

But not to forget, even with a compromised bullpen, Aaron Judge has, as usual, been premium.

Aaron Judge is firing up this season 

The opening game against the Brewers witnessed Judge’s madness amassing, 8 RBIs, three homers, and a double. Currently, he is standing with 6 homers and 18 RBIs. This season also witnessed Judge tying the legend Babe Ruth by making his 321st career home run. Yes, a massive milestone, that too, in his 1000th game.

Judge is 33 now and probably has a few more years left in his career. While his trophy cabinet is well-decorated, the elusive World Series ring still stands as the only missing piece in an otherwise outstanding career. Well, Judge’s ongoing performance suggests that more honors may be in store. Another MVP might just be around the corner with the way he is going.

While Judge’s brilliance is shining, it is the team’s call to go big in the postseason. That’s possible only when a full-strength lineup can be fielded. Gradually, the players are coming back. And Judge must be hopeful now. Because 2025 might be the year of redemption for the regular-season hero to turn the tide in the postseason.

Do you have any projections about the Yankees’ chances this year? Could Aaron Judge finally hold that much-awaited ring?