“One of a Kind”: Aaron Judge Ignores Historic Record to Praise Juan Soto’s “Impressive” Form Despite Hand Injury

Aaron Judge sets another Yankees record, this time surpassing the greats. The last time he was at Camden Yards, Judge’s stats were impressive. He was batting at.197 OPS and smashed six home runs in 33 games. This time, the Yankees captain established an astonishing franchise record by scoring his 34th homer just before the All-Star Break.

Before Aaron Judge, Yankees legend Rogers Maris hit 333 before the All-Star break in 1961. However, it’s not the first time the Yankees captain came close to breaking the legend’s record. In 2022, he hit 33 homers before the All-Star break and raised that number to 62. However, despite his exemplary achievement, Judge still talked more about Juan Soto’s heroics in helping the Yankees win the series against the Orioles in Saturday’s game. 

Aaron Judge’s kind words for Juan Soto after the Orioles series win

In the game against the Orioles, the famous Yankees duo Aaron Judge and Juan Soto came to the rescue. Both smashed back-to-back home runs in the fifth inning. Praising the Yankees fierce hitter Soto, Judge said, ”It’s Impressive at bat and I know he is doing thighs now with the hand and still go out there and hit the ball like he does; it is one of a kind.”

Undoubtedly, Soto sustained a hand injury against Toronto on June 28. However, MRI scans didn’t show any fracture, but he was told to take care of his hand. Despite dealing with an injury, Soto’s 426-foot drive compelled the Yankees to lead 5-1. If that’s not all, Aaron Judge followed Soto’s footsteps and smashed a colossal home run of 431 feet. 

Eventually, Aaron Judge’s drive gave the Yankees a much-needed 6-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Additionally, replying to his 34 homers in the 2024 season, he said, “Hopefully those 34 homers came in a lot of wins. That’s what it’s all about.” Indeed, the last few weeks haven’t gone great for the Yankees. The team lost a series to the Boston Red Sox and was later taken apart by the Tampa Blue Rays. 

However, the Yankees (58-39) have won the first two games against the Baltimore Orioles. All thanks go to the heroics of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who made this happen. Also, this broke the streak of the Orioles, who were riding high with a 16-0-6 record against the Yanks. However, as much as Aaron Judge is fit to play the All-Star Game, the Yankees might have to look into Soto’s All-Star participation. 

The New York Yankees need to save Soto before his hand injury worsens

Participating against the Baltimore Orioles, Juan Soto has given a clear indication. As per MLB reporter Bryan Hoch, he seems to be in no mood for rest and is still planning to play in the All-Star event. However, at some point, the Bronx will have to impose a break on Soto’s competitive spirit and prioritize his health. Especially when the team has just gotten up after an awful June month, Soto’s presence is the need of the hour. 

Even the Yankees, will get no benefit if Soto plays the All-Star, especially when the Yankees star is still in severe pain. One prime example was against the Rays in Thursday’s game. He homered, made two runs, and drew two walks, but was seen struggling with his hand. Ultimately, Soto smashed a ball in the seventh inning and was forced to take a timeout due to his bruised hand.

In the end, despite the Yankees failing miserably in June and the start of July, they have returned stronger. Currently, they are sitting in the second position in the American League East. They have s score of (58-39), a winning percentage of .598, and the team is just a few shy from the Orioles. A couple of wins over the next few games, and they might see themselves on top of the AL East leaderboard. 

As Yankees fans, what would you like to see, Juan Soto resting during the All-Star game or during that period? Let us know in the comments.