PHOTOS: Aaron Judge and Juan Soto Take Their Own Protective Measures After Corey Seager’s Injury Sparks Safety Debate

New York Yankees sluggers Aaron Judge and Juan Soto were recently photographed wearing protective handguards while at bat, sparking a renewed debate about player safety in Major League Baseball (MLB). This move comes on the heels of Texas Rangers’ shortstop Corey Seager’s frightening injury on Saturday night during the Rangers’ 6-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Seager was hit on the left wrist by a 90.5-mph sinker from Birds pitcher Cade Povich, forcing him to leave. While initial X-rays were negative, the Texans are proceeding cautiously, with further imaging (likely an MRI) scheduled for Monday to assess the full extent of the injury.

Seager’s injury is just the latest in a string of pitcher-caused incidents this season. The Rangers have been plagued by injuries, and this newest setback only adds to their woes. Manager Bruce Bochy, visibly shaken by the incident, stated, “When he walked off, I was sick to my stomach.” Seager himself acknowledged the initial concern, saying, “You never assume, but it wasn’t great… Anytime it’s not broken in that situation, it’s better than it could be, so I don’t know. We’ll see how I come in tomorrow and answer that better tomorrow.” The incident has raised alarms among players and officials alike, leading some to call for increased safety measures.

Initial X-rays on Corey Seager’s left wrist were negative, providing a sigh of relief. However, further imaging, including an MRI, is likely to be conducted to fully assess the extent. As Bochy stated, “We got the best news we could’ve got on the first one. I know sometimes these things show up later, and it’s a little bit of a concern because it got him pretty good.”

In response to the growing concern, Judge and Soto have opted to wear protective handguards, a decision that could influence others to follow suit. This proactive approach also underscores the severity of the issue, in the need for rectification. “Anytime it’s not broken in that situation, it’s better than it could be, so I don’t know. We’ll see how I come in tomorrow and answer that better tomorrow,” Seager commented after the game. But is this enough to address the rising tide of injuries?

MLB has seen a troubling rise in injuries, particularly elbow injuries among pitchers. According to research by Jon Roegele, 35.6% of pitchers on an MLB roster last season had undergone Tommy John surgery—and that’s just for the rotation. That’s because Lineup injuries are often not documented as thoroughly. This alarming trend has led to a search for solutions, both on the field and in the lab.

Financial implications have also to be accounted for. Spotrac reported that players worth $924 million in salary are currently on the injured list for various ailments, representing 18.7% of league-wide compensation in 2024. The Rangers are currently mired in a 9-game road losing streak, dropping to a season-worst 9 games under .500. Overall, they are just 17-27 on the road, 3rd-worst in the American League. The loss of Seager, who has been a key contributor to the team’s offense, could further exacerbate their struggles.

Financial fallout and the rising tide of injuries like Corey Seager’s

Despite the uncertainty around these injuries, there is a glimmer of hope. The negative X-ray results suggest that it may not be as severe as initially feared. “It sucks, but glad the X-ray came up negative,” said Michael Lorenzen, their starting pitcher in the game. “Hopefully he can recover as quickly as possible because we need him.”

The injury to Corey Seager also serves as a reminder of the Yankees’ own struggles this season. Both Giancarlo Stanton and Josh Donaldson have missed significant time, and so has Carlos Rodón because of injuries.

The All-Rise Aaron Judge himself suffered a recent injury scare on his left hand in June—which, not very surprisingly, was also caused by another Orioles’ ace, Albert Suárez, with a 94-mph fastball. However, the Bombers have since been finding solace in Judge and Soto’s performances. They’ve been boastfully carrying the offense forward.

Soto recently returned to the lineup after a brief injury scare of his own. He suffered a bruised right hand but managed to avoid a serious complication. His return, along with Judge’s continued dominance, provided a much-needed boost to the Yankees.

Judge and Soto have been a formidable duo this season, with Judge leading the majors in home runs and RBIs. Their ability to stay healthy and productive will be crucial for the Yankees’ success. As manager Aaron Boone stated, “What he and Juan are doing as a tandem is hard to wrap your brain around.”

The Rangers and the Yankees are both at critical junctures in their seasons. The Rangers are fighting to stay afloat in the playoff race, while the latter are looking to solidify their position. The health of their star players will be a major factor in determining their fate.

The recent injuries to Corey Seager, Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto highlight the inherent risks of baseball. While the sport has made strides in injury prevention, there is still much work to be done. The use of protective gear, like the hand guards worn by Judge and Soto, maybe a step in the right direction, but it is just one piece of the puzzle.