Aaron Judge Runs Over White Sox Star, Sparking Scary Injury Scene in Yankees Win

The exciting highs and painful lows—all were right on display through the White Sox’s 25-year-old first baseman on Thursday night. Starting with a personal high, Miguel Vargas hit his first career grand slam, bringing his team back from a 4-0 deficit. He connected on a 2-0 sinker from Will Warren and also marked his first home run in August. However, three innings later, it was proven that highs can be fleeting when Vargas hit his painful low.

During the fifth inning, with Ben Rice on first base, Vargas attempted to catch a throw from third baseman Curtis Mead on a ground ball hit by Yankees’ captain Aaron Judge. He missed the ball, and his left hand hit Judge’s left thigh, bending back.

He immediately fell to the ground and stayed there, holding his wrist still as Rice ran all the way from first to score. Eventually, Vargas made an exit, visibly in pain. Later, he was initially diagnosed with a left wrist contusion. He will undergo further tests on Friday.

The game continued to eventually result in the go-ahead run in the White Sox’ 10-4 loss to the Yankees. Opening up on the injury after the game, Vargas said, “I feel it more in the top of my hand. It’s a little bit sore. Hopefully tomorrow we’ll get a better answer. In the moment, I was very scared. It wasn’t feeling right in the moment.” In just a span of a few innings, Vargas experienced the collision of his highest of highs and lowest of lows.

The 25-year-old’ grand slam had hinted at a promising turnaround from his early struggles with the White Sox. He had a tough stretch following his mid-2024 trade to Chicago, forcing some doubts to linger—  could her really be a key player for GM Chris Getz’s plans? However, Vargas’ improved hitting and defensive contributions have silenced those critiques.

Now, on a major concerning side, in the span of 48 hours, the White Sox have endured two injuries. Before Vargas, Luis Robert Jr. was hit with a major injury setback on Wednesday.

Luis Robert Jr.’s potential season-ending injury’s effect on White Sox

Some days ago, Robert Jr. sounded uncertain about how much longer he might stay with the White Sox. “It’s very important to me to finish this season strong, being able to carry that out for next season. Here or wherever God puts me. I’m just enjoying the moment. I don’t know for how long I’m going to be here. What matters is today. Today, I’m enjoying the moment and enjoying being with these guys,” he had said through his interpreter. These statements came before the hamstring strain that might end Robert’s season.

Naturally, an injury this serious raises more questions about his future with the White Sox. However, general manager Chris Getz has a different take. His message reflected a strong confidence in Robert.

“We are committed to Luis. He can be such a boost to this lineup and this team, and that’s why we are talking about it today.” Getz said on Wednesday. According to him, Robert has really risen in terms of his impact on the White Sox. “We like having Luis Robert here,” he said.

Well, Robert has recorded a .808 OPS since the All-Star break. It reflects his flashes of the “six-tool player” he once was. But for the White Sox to fully benefit, whether through a trade or on-field performance, he has to prove his bat and stay healthy. It’s the way Robert will navigate this injury, as it could shape both his future and the direction of the White Sox.