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Tampa, Florida: New York Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge speaking out about the sign stealing with the Houston Astros, at a press conference during spring training in Tampa, Florida on February 18, 2020. (Photo by J. Conrad Williams, Jr./Newsday RM via Getty Images)
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Tampa, Florida: New York Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge speaking out about the sign stealing with the Houston Astros, at a press conference during spring training in Tampa, Florida on February 18, 2020. (Photo by J. Conrad Williams, Jr./Newsday RM via Getty Images)
The New York Yankees are on course to register one of their best starts to the season in recent memory. The Yankees are flying high, with a stunning record to lead their division. However, recent setbacks have come as suspensions rather than game performances. Newly minted Yankees’ 3rd baseman Josh Donaldson was on the receiving end of one such instance as they took on the Chicago White Sox. Aaron Judge shared his opinion on the incident that led to it.
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MLB handed Yankees player Josh Donaldson a one-game suspension after his Chicago White Sox infielder Tim Anderson incident. When the Yankees locked horns with the White Sox, Donaldson referred to the shortstop as “Jackie”. Reportedly, a reference to Jackie Robinson, who was the first player in MLB to cross the color line in 1947. Further, Michael Hill, MLB’s senior vice president for on-field operations, also characterized Donaldson’s comments as “disrespectful and in poor judgment.”
Aaron Judge voices his opinion
The New York Yankees have no shortage of top performers this season, and right-fielder Aaron Judge has certainly grown to be a part of it. A leader in the clubhouse, Judge voiced his opinion on the incident and made his position clear.
Aaron Judge on the Josh Donaldson suspension:
"It's a tough one. Joke or not, I just don't think it's the right thing to do there, especially given the history, the series in Chicago. . … JD made a mistake, owned up to it, and now we've got to move on."
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) May 24, 2022
“I just don’t think it was the right move at all. But he got a suspension. Time to move on,” he said.
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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 17: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees and the American League celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the National League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
With Donaldson out for a game, the Yankees will doubtless feel a hole in their roster, but they will look to power through. Aaron Judge clarified that the situation was in the past and was dealt with. “JD made a mistake, owned up to it, and now we’ve got to move on,” he added.
Judge lauds Donaldson for addressing the situation
However, Judge also mentioned that the player was handling it well and had addressed the issue to other players in the Yankees dugout. Said Judge, “JD is a pro. So he talked to us and filled us in on what he was referring to, about I guess a 2019 interview that T.A. did.”
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More Aaron Judge: "Anderson's one of the best shortstops in the game and he's a big part of MLB, what's going on here and how we can grow the game."
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) May 24, 2022
Cognizant that baseball had an increased footprint and could grow the brand, Judge acknowledged what Anderson brings to the table too. “Anderson’s one of the best shortstops in the game and he’s a big part of MLB, what’s going on here and how we can grow the game,” added Judge.
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The conversation around an incident will be a part of the Yankees’ consideration going forward, but what do you think? Do you believe the 1-game suspension is justified?
