The Yankees managed to win their first four series without their usual overwhelming power at the plate in Aaron Judge.
There were early concerns after he pulled both bats during a March 10 exhibition game against the Braves, warranting an MRI scan of his abdomen.
Still, it was a fleeting problem as the results came back clean and the former MVP returned to the lineup after 10 days and played four of the final six games.
There wasn’t too much concern at the time, and there is currently no concern from Yankees manager Aaron Boone about whether Judge’s abdomen issue and absence can be attributed to its slow start.
Although it continued with an 0-for-4 outing Wednesday night that ended with a hope of victory in his hands when he flew out to center with the bases loaded to end a loss of 5-2 against the Marlins.
“I talked about it a lot, the blows happen, it’s different every year. It’s a little inconsistent every year, whether it’s big players like Aaron Judge or guys trying to make the roster,” Boone said before the game. “Sometimes a week into spring training it kicks in and you get that feeling right away. Sometimes it takes longer. There isn’t always a rhyme or reason to this. So could there be something to this? Maybe, but not necessarily. I mean, it wouldn’t surprise me if he went out and hit a home run on Opening Day.
He also struck out twice on Wednesday – both times on a 1-2 count.
Judge now has a 178 batting average and .744 OPS on just eight hits in 45 at-bats.
Over Judge’s first 12 games last season, he had 14 hits in 44 at-bats with a .318 batting average and 1.017 OPS.
There’s a different metric Boone is interested in at the moment, taking into account Judge’s 14 walks, including one earned Wednesday.
“I mean, he has an on-base percentage of almost .400 (.367 to be exact),” Boone said. “So, I would love to wrestle like that. It’s a question of time.”
“I feel like his at-bats have been really good. Why was he on base four times (Tuesday) night? I think so. I’m not too worried about Aaron Judge.
New York Post
