Why Did Aaron Judge Not Take the Field Against Tampa Bay Rays Despite Being on the Field Pre-game?

Published 05/06/2023, 9:00 AM EDT

From bad to worst. Every day is a new, sad story for the New York Yankees, who are failing to get a grip on the new season. And with their unending injury problems, the Yanks have slipped and distanced themselves from the Boston Red Sox at the bottom of the AL East.

But amidst all the bad news and poor performances on the field, this update on Aaron Judge comes as a ray of hope for the Pinstripes roster, and all their fans, who are running out of patience.

Is Aaron Judge ready to be back in action?

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Before the series opener, the American League East Division table displayed very peculiar numbers. With 27 wins and only six losses, the Tampa Bay Rays stand on top of the East division, the American League, and the whole of MLB. The Bronx Bombers, on the other hand, with 17 wins and 16 losses, occupy the bottom position in AL East.

Analogous to that, a few hours before the game, a fresh report on Aaron Judge meant positive signs for the Yanks, and a possible climb back to the top by competing strongly with the Rays.

Aaron Judge is out in RF right now, doing light work. He was at the team’s player development complex this morning, hitting and working out. #Yankees
— Brendan Kuty 🧟‍♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) May 5, 2023

As reported by Brendan Kuty, who reports for The Athletic, covering the Yankees, “Aaron Judge is out in RF right now, doing light work. He was at the team’s player development complex this morning, hitting and working out.”

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But Aaron Judge didn’t play the series opener against Tampa and is still on the injured list and is supposed to return by Monday. Without Aaron Judge, the Yanks lost another game – the series opener against Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, 5-4 despite Harrison Bader’s three-run homer.

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Who else is on the Yankees’ IL?

The Yanks have been severely handicapped due to injuries this season. Presently, on the 10 and 15-day IL, along with their captain Aaron Judge, is pitcher Luis Severino, baseman Josh Donaldson, DH and outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, and another starting pitcher, Carlos Rodon, among a few others.

When Judge, Rodon, Stanton, and Donaldson are back in the mix, will the Yanks be able to cover up for all the lost points and defeats? Or will it be too late? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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WATCH THIS STORY – Is Aaron Judge’s $360 Million Deal the Biggest New York Yankees Contract of All Time?

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Written by:

Mohsin Baldiwala is a seasoned MLB writer at EssentiallySports, currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Like many New Yorkers, Mohsin's introduction to baseball was through the storied New York Yankees' tales. However, after covering the sport for almost a year and getting closer to the game, Mohsin has shifted his MLB allegiance from the Pinstripes to Cleveland Guardians, influenced by skipper Tito.

Why Did Aaron Judge Not Take the Field Against Tampa Bay Rays Despite Being on the Field Pre-game?

Is Aaron Judge ready to be back in action?

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Who else is on the Yankees’ IL?