The New York Yankees may have one of the most storied histories, but their present looks bleak. With the Pinstripes’ offense falling short on multiple occasions in the 2023 season, some had hoped that the fortunes would turn after the return of star slugger?Aaron Judge. However, the front office has other plans for the returning captain.

With the Yankees chasing a Wild Card Spot in the decidedly competitive AL East, their series decider with the Baltimore Orioles took on even more significance in the race. But the Yankees lost before the game even began with a shock omission from the Yankees’ lineup.

Yankees Lineup Loses Firepower in Deciding Encounter

With the New York Yankees in?tight pursuit of an AL Wild Card?spot, they made the most surprising decision in a crucial game with the Orioles. The Yankees benched Aaron Judge, not giving the 2022 Home Run King any pinch-hitting responsibilities for the game.

Unsurprisingly, the Yankees succumbed to the marauding Orioles, 9-3, in the series decider.

The decision, while discussed before the game, was because of the injury that the star slugger sustained in early June. Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone said before the game, “Difficult to not have him in there. You don’t like that part of it. But the decision, feel like we kind of had to do it.“

The push is a try to gradually build up Aaron Judge’s workload after returning to the lineup to ensure that the Yankees don’t lose him for any more time this season.

Read More:?Brian Cashman Led Yankees Almost Let Aaron Judge Slip Away in 2013 Before a $1,800,000 Signing

And even as the Yankees enter a crucial stretch of games, Aaron Judge’s inclusion in the lineup remains a question.

When Will Aaron Judge Feature for the New York Yankees?

The Yankees now enter a crucial stretch of games, playing against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Houston Astros and the Baltimore Orioles in the next two weeks. With both teams part of the AL race to make a trip to the World Series, the Yankees now have an excellent opportunity to improve their chances. And according to Boone, he expects Judge to feature in at least 10 of the next 13 games for the Pinstripes.

After matching Roger Maris’ home run record last season, the Yankees’ captain is a vital part of the hitting rotation, not just for his power and contact but also as a presence around the clubhouse and for the player’s morale. And with a series loss against the Orioles, the Yankees will need him more than ever.

But what do you think? Should the Yankees risk Judge for a run at the post-season? Or is it more prudent to manage his load now so he can be healthy for it, should they qualify?

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