For more than a month, Aaron Judge has been watching his teammates from the dugout. After his prolonged injury recovery, everyone thought of suing Dodger Stadium. And the New York Yankees have struggled without their captain manning the ship, but there may be some good news.
Judge and manager Aaron Boone remain adamant about a return, but most fans have lost faith. Throwing practice may have been an exciting update once, but Judge still can’t run. However, his hand finally appears to have found a bat again.
Aaron Judge takes batting practice at Coors Field
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During their ongoing series against the Colorado Rockies, the rest of the team was joined by their captain in the batting cage. Although his toe hasn’t fully healed from the torn ligament yet, he’s taking it step by step. However, there still needs to be a timeline for a return.
Judge taking BP again pic.twitter.com/CNBvmRdrna
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) July 15, 2023
“It’s not healed, so obviously it is what it is,” the captain told MLB.com. “But we’re making progress every day. … I’ve got no date. I’ve got nothing for you on that. But you’re asking how I’m feeling and how we’re progressing, and we’re progressing well and getting closer.”
Getting ready for a comeback will undoubtedly be tough, but the club remains hopeful. Since Judge’s temporary departure, the Yankees have gone lower and lower on their offensive production, currently among the league’s worst.
The outfielder still can’t run and may even have to play through pain whenever he does. While, of course, there remains the option of DH, fans are still skeptical of the future.
New York Yankees fans remain lukewarm at the news
So far, Aaron Boone has denied a minor league rehab stint to get Judge back into shape. While some think it would be a good move, it remains irrelevant if he’s not ready to return just yet. “I think it’s gonna be more getting to that next level of really being able to let it loose running…The hitting is going really well,” Boone said recently.
Some fans are of the same opinion, that batting practice doesn’t mean anything if Judge can’t run.
this means nothing if he can’t run
— Ethan (50-43) (@dfAtheYankees) July 15, 2023
rehab games soon plz
— Harrison Bader’s burner (@humiston_logan) July 15, 2023
Some want him to be activated immediately.
wake me up when he’s in the lineup
— nycpitt (@pitnyysznn) July 15, 2023
A rare few fans also cheered for their captain, hoping he breathes life back into the lineup soon.
LeGoooO captain judge!!
— 🎇Colléén🎆 (@SportsFamsRock) July 15, 2023
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My Captain, my Captain. Only you can save this lifeless Yankee offense. At least I hope so at this point.Just come back when you're ready. Lets go #Yankees!!!
— Zach S. (@onlyzach1) July 15, 2023
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The update, however minor, seems to be progress for now. But will it be too late when Aaron Judge finally returns?
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