Judge Calls Time on Rehab Games
Aaron Judge is done waiting. He told the New York Post that he wants to skip the minors and get back to the big leagues right now. The Yankees captain missed nearly three months with a rib stress fracture. He sees no reason to play in Somerset or Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He wants to help the team during the stretch run. “I didn’t rehab in ’23 when I missed probably the same amount of time,” said Judge, according to NY Post Sports. He knows his body and what it needs to get ready.
Judge feels great and has no setbacks. He has been throwing, running, and hitting in the cage. He just needs to build up the volume so he can finish the season strong. “We build up the volume so I can go out there and finish the season strong,” Judge said. He declined to give a specific return date but said he hopes to be back soon. The biggest hurdle is simply doing more of everything.
Boone Agrees With The Captain
Manager Aaron Boone knows what Judge wants. He smiled when he heard the plan. Boone told the Post that Judge has relayed the same message to him. Boone stated prior to Thursday’s series conclusion against the Astros that they would address everything once that stage arrives. The team is in a tight race. They need their best player on the field.
The Yankees are also getting a boost from their young pitching. Wednesday marked the strongest performance of Elmer Rodriguez’s early professional career. The victory came 9-3 against the Astros, with three runs allowed over six innings pitched. He struck out six batters and walked just two. This was his fifth start and first since June 21. Rodriguez showed a higher velocity than in his first four starts. Jose Altuve’s leadoff walk in the seventh inning prompted his removal from the game.
Why The Rush Makes Sense
You do not hold back a player like Judge just to be safe. He has been doing this for a while now. “Why waste at-bats? Why waste anything down in a minor league game?” he asked. Boone explained his long experience provides him with clarity on necessary on-field actions and management strategies. The Yankees need every bit of offense they can get. Wasting his time in the minors is a bad move for a team fighting for the title.
The rotation has been hit by injuries recently. A low-grade flexor strain led to Ryan Weathers being added to the injured list. Earlier this month, Max Fried joined the injured list due to a bone bruise affecting his left elbow. The bullpen has taken hits too. Fernando Cruz is dealing with a partial UCL tear. Rodriguez stepped up when called. “That’s the electric arm that we know is in there,” Boone said, according to NY Post Sports. “I thought he threw the heck out of the ball.”
Boone saw the improvement in Rodriguez. “That’s what we get excited about right there,” Boone said. “I think he got [the Astros’] attention right away — you’re seeing 97, 98, 99 [mph] sinkers filling up the zone, spinning a good breaking ball. That was really encouraging, to see that.” The Yankees have depth issues, but they have talent ready to step in.
Judge is right to push for a fast return. He knows what he needs. The team needs him to finish the season strong. The clock is ticking, and the Yankees must act fast.
