Dodgers’ $182M Star Sets Yankees Rivalry Aside With Special 5-Word Message to Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge’s return to Dodger Stadium was not like how he would have expected it to be. The Yankees may have lost the much-anticipated World Series rematch in L.A., but Captain Judge certainly had his moments during the 3-day road series. In the middle of all the chaos, an unexpected moment stood out when the Yankees-Dodgers rivalry took a back seat during the series.

Captain Judge and the Dodgers’ ace, Blake Snell, may not have played for the same team, but these two started their pro career in the same year and division. And even though the 2-time Cy Young winner went on to play for different teams, their friendship remains the same over the years. Who could forget the 2020 season, when Snell jokingly blamed Judge for throwing him off mid-pitch with nothing but a grin? “Every time he looks at me and laughs, I have to laugh,” Snell said during his days in Tampa. Well, five years after that incident, their chemistry was on display once again during last week’s 3-game series, when Snell shared a special 5-word message to his old friend.

Even intense competition can’t overshadow the respect and camaraderie that often blossom between players. It was evident when the Dodgers’ starting pitcher, Blake Snell, met the Yankees’ captain, Judge. Even though Snell is on the IL, he found time to visit his team this weekend, and he posed for a photo with Judge, too.

Snell later took to Instagram to post the photo captured at the Dodger Stadium, with a warm caption: “Always good seeing my brudda!!” Yep, they’re from rival teams, but brotherhood knows no boundaries. And, this is not the first time Snell has expressed his admiration for Judge.

Remember when Judge was named the Team USA Captain? Even at that time, Snell took to Instagram to share a story, congratulating Judge. He shared the announcement post by MLB and wrote, “Let’s go dawg.” Well, short and sweet, but the message was loud and clear. There were even talks of the Yankees pursuing the starter during his free agency.

And guess who tuned in to add to the speculation? On his All Rise Foundation’s Instagram, Judge reposted a video of Snell, perfectly timed to fuel the buzz.

Amid speculation that the Yankees might pursue Snell after the failed Yamamoto signing, this repost felt like a quiet show of support from Judge. But that didn’t materialize, as the Dodgers signed the veteran pitcher.

Since then, things haven’t gone as smoothly as Snell or the Dodgers would have hoped. He has appeared in only two games this season and has been sidelined since April following a shoulder injury. But now, he is teasing a return to the Dodgers’ rotation.

Blake Snell shares major injury update

The Dodgers had big plans for Snell this season. But unfortunately, after his second game, against the Braves, he reported shoulder stiffness and went straight to the IL. With their roster chipped away by injuries, the Dodgers are counting on him to make a speedy recovery. Snell is hopeful he will return soon.

Speaking on 570 LA Sports about his return, he said, “I’m throwing 120 feet now. It’s coming out with no pain. I feel good.” Well, that’s definitely a positive sign for the Dodgers. Snell believes he can return next week when the Dodgers face the Padres.

“Ironically, I think in San Diego (next week). I think that’s the plan, we’ll see though. Some time in San Diego is the plan, but they’ll let me know. I’ll be ready,” the 32-year-old further revealed.

The Dodgers are one of the most injury-plagued teams this season, with names like Tyler Glasnow, Kirby Yates, Michael Kopech, and Luis García on the IL. They clearly need Snell more than ever now, especially with a matchup against his former team coming up. But even if he returns, the real question is: will he be ready to pitch at his best after being almost two months away from the mound? We’ll just have to wait and watch.