Aaron Judge Removed With Leg Tightness

The Yankees had already clinched a playoff berth, making Judge’s health especially important as the club pursues another World Series title.
Judge had been activated from the 60-day injured list only the previous week after missing more than three months with the fractured rib.
Although Judge had looked rusty since returning, he hit a three-run home run in Monday’s 8-3 victory over Minnesota.
Manager Aaron Boone had already been managing Judge conservatively, giving him occasional days off and commonly removing him after roughly three at-bats or seven innings.
Before the Yankees disclosed the leg tightness, broadcaster Joe Girardi said Judge’s early exit indicated that “there has to be an issue,” while initial reports also considered whether the move might simply have been planned rest before an off day and travel to Arizona.
Aaron Judge was removed from the Yankees' game against the Minnesota Twins in the sixth inning after experiencing lower-right-leg tightness. MLB.com reported that the star slugger left the field after an awkward check swing, with the team ruling out a return of his fractured rib that sidelined him for over three months. Judge was 0-for-2 with two strikeouts before the early exit.
The Yankees are taking a cautious approach with Judge's health as the team pursues another World Series title with their playoff berth already clinched. Hindustan Times noted Judge had only returned from the injured list eight days earlier, making the leg issue particularly concerning with the postseason approaching. Further evaluation and imaging were expected before Friday's game against Arizona.
Judge had been sidelined for 99 days with a right rib stress fracture before returning to action just over a week ago. Freedom 96.9 reported that the leg tightness emerged during his seventh game since activation from the injured list. Despite the rust from his extended absence, Judge had shown signs of recovery by hitting a three-run home run in Monday's 8-3 victory over Minnesota.
Aaron Boone has already been managing Judge carefully this season, giving him occasional rest days and regularly removing him after roughly seven innings or three at-bats. This protective approach reflects the team's desire to keep their three-time MVP healthy through the postseason. The early exit against Minnesota fit the pattern of planned caution, though the disclosed leg tightness suggested more than routine rest.
The Yankees expect further clarity on Judge's condition before Friday's game against Arizona, with imaging potentially ordered to assess the extent of the tightness. WDC News 6 reported that team doctors remain uncertain about the severity of the injury. There is no indication the issue will require an extended absence, offering some relief to a club counting on Judge for a title run.
Joe Girardi, the game broadcaster, noted that Judge's early removal suggested "there has to be an issue" rather than planned rest. Speculation had initially centered on whether the move was simple recovery before an off day and travel to Arizona. The team's prompt disclosure of leg tightness confirmed that genuine medical concern, not scheduling, drove the decision.
Publishers
19
Articles
101
Reach
120