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Aaron Judge is back in the New York Yankees lineup, and his return couldn’t have come at a better time. After being sidelined with a right flexor strain in his elbow, the 6-foot-7 power-hitting outfielder is once again ready to make his presence felt. The Yankees announced the roster move on Tuesday, bringing back their offensive leader just as the team looks to regain momentum following a rough 10-game stretch.
Without Judge, the Yankees have struggled. The team has gone 4-6 in his absence, with a disappointing .231 batting average and a sluggish .399 slugging percentage during that span. Aaron Judge’s return brings a much-needed boost to the offence. He currently leads Major League Baseball in batting average at .342, as well as in on-base percentage (.449) and slugging percentage (.711). His presence changes the dynamic of the entire lineup.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed his excitement about getting Judge back, telling reporters that having him around again means a lot, not just statistically, but emotionally and mentally for the rest of the roster. The Yankees are expecting Judge to serve as the designated hitter while he continues his recovery process. He will begin playing catch this week to help determine when he can return to the right field.
Although Judge’s defensive skills are a valuable part of his game, his bat is what the Yankees need most right now. They’ve dropped four straight games leading into his return and desperately need a spark to turn things around. With the team facing the Texas Rangers, who just defeated them 8-5 on Monday, the timing couldn’t be more crucial.
The judge is taking the roster spot of Austin Slater, who injured his left hamstring on Monday. And, fittingly, Judge’s return comes just in time for his bobblehead giveaway scheduled for August 13. That event could now serve as a celebration not just of his popularity, but also of his potential to carry the Yankees back into top form.
With the Yankees eyeing a strong finish to the regular season, Judge will be expected to deliver his signature clutch performances. His return signals hope, power, and leadership—exactly what New York needs right now.