“He’s a Good Friend…But” – Anthony Rizzo’s Candid Account of Captain Aaron Judge’s Absence as Yankees Fail to Win Subway Series

Aaron Judge may be among the top contenders for MVP this season, but even he’s not safe from injuries. After a stellar display on the West Coast, Judge bruised his toe as he crashed into the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen gate. While he continued the game then, the New York Yankees later put him on the IL. It’s a decision that seems to be costing the team now as they just lost the Subway Series.

While fans await his return, they are expecting the remaining lineup to up their game and fill the gap left by the captain. So far, they have been disappointed. Judge’s offensive power is a strong tool, but unfortunately, baseball is not an individual sport. The recently IL-returned Josh Donaldson and Giancarlo Stanton, as well as DJ LeMahieu, have not given performances up to fans’ expectations. Another player in the game is Anthony Rizzo, who recently discussed what Judge’s absence has been like.

Anthony Rizzo heaps praise on Aaron Judge as the Yankees lose to the Mets

Judge and Rizzo may be teammates, but they’re also friends. While the Yankees are sorely missing the presence of their captain, Rizzo also seems to be in a slump in his friend’s absence. The need to perform well undeniably puts some strain on the remaining players, which Rizzo recently weighed in on.

When a reporter asked the Yankees’ first baseman if he felt any pressure to perform in the absence of Aaron Judge, Rizzo said, “Judge is our guy. He’s our leader. He’s a good friend. You always want in the lineup, but if you try to get two hits in one at-bat, I haven’t seen it yet.” He continued, “You gotta stay the course of this game and keep weathering the storm.”

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For many, the storm doesn’t seem to be passing anytime soon because the Bronx Bombers just lost the Subway Series to the New York Mets. The much-awaited Gerrit Cole vs Justin Verlander match-up did not disappoint. And while the Mets are also missing their star player, Pete Alonso, they managed the victory.

New York Yankees fans are worried about the team

Or perhaps more appropriately, they’re worried about Rizzo. Amidst expressing disappointment at the lineup, some fans echoed how Rizzo’s response confused them.

One fan pointed out that he might be missing Judge.

Some just want him to play better.

Let’s see how the next weekend goes at Fenway Park against the Yankees’ archrivals, the Boston Red Sox.

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