The Yankees fixed their starting rotation today with the acquisition of J.A. Happ, but they can’t afford to lose Aaron Judge for any period of time.
The New York Yankees have a deep roster with a lot of offensive talent, but Aaron Judge is the best of the bunch. Unfortunately, his immediate future is in peril after being hit in the wrist by a pitch in Thursday night’s game.
Judge stayed in the game long enough to hit one more time, but was pinch-hit for by Miguel Andujar in the fourth inning of Thursday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals.
The severity of the injury is unclear at this time. Various reports claim Judge is on the way to Presbyterian Hospital to undergo an MRI. Team officials hope it’s just a bruise, but it has the potential to be a more severe injury.
It’s impossible to know how long Judge might be out of action at this point. It could range from a few days to the rest of the season. The only thing we know for certain is that the Yankees’ postseason hopes likely hinge on the results of the MRI.
Aaron Judge has left Yankee Stadium and is getting an MRI on his right wrist. He was hit by a pitch in the first inning. #Yankees
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) July 27, 2018
If he misses extended time, the team would likely insert Clint Frazier into his place in the starting lineup. The 23-year-old outfielder has struggled during his time in the majors this season, but 34 at bats is not a sufficient sample size to judge how he’d play in a full-time role.
Of course, it’s also possible Brian Cashman might try to swing a late trade to fill Judge’s spot in the lineup. The Yankees hope they won’t be forced into such drastic action, but it’s not something that should be ruled out entirely.
The team certainly has the prospects to swing a big deal ahead of the deadline.
The bottom line is that Yankee officials have a nervous wait until they receive the results of Judge’s MRI. A lot of New York fans will be saying their prayers for their favorite star tonight.