New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge was out of the starting lineup on Sunday due to soreness in his right foot, mostly in the area of his big toe, after making a phenomenal over-the-shoulder catch during Saturday’s victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated that Judge seemed better but the team decided to take advantage of Monday’s off day and give him back-to-back days off his feet. Meanwhile, left-handed starting pitcher Nestor Cortes is expected to go on the injured list due to soreness in his left shoulder. Cortes will undergo further testing when the team returns to New York.
Aaron Judge Sits Out After Banging Toe on Crazy Catch
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge was out of the starting lineup on Sunday, following his phenomenal over-the-shoulder catch in Saturday’s victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Judge’s right foot, particularly in the area of his big toe, was too sore to play, According to an article in Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
Boone added that Judge “seemed a little bit better this afternoon,” but keeping him out of the lineup for the series finale against the Dodgers allowed them to take advantage of Monday’s off day and give Judge back-to-back days off his feet. Boone also said that Judge may not have to go on the injured list, but they will assess his condition over the next few days.
Meanwhile, Yankees left-handed starting pitcher Nestor Cortes is expected to go on the injured list due to soreness in his left shoulder that has been slow to recover between starts in recent weeks. Cortes will undergo further testing when the team returns to New York, but Boone doesn’t believe he’ll miss more than one or two turns through the rotation.
Cortes, who was an All-Star last year, has struggled this season with a 5.16 ERA through his first 11 starts. He will join Frankie Montas and Carlos Rodon among Yankees starters on the IL. The Yankees will start Clarke Schmidt in Cortes’ place against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, and they are undecided about Wednesday.
Despite the injuries, Judge is off to another MVP-caliber start this season, leading the American League with 19 home runs and 40 RBIs. His catch on Saturday showed why he can also be a dynamic right fielder.
In the bottom of the eighth inning with one on and none out, J.D. Martinez hit a deep drive to the opposite field. Judge ranged back, stretched out his left arm, secured the catch, and ran so hard into the bullpen gate that he lodged the door open. He stumbled initially before picking himself up and tossing the baseball back into the infield.
Judge’s catch was undoubtedly one of the highlights of Saturday’s game, but it also resulted in him sitting out on Sunday due to his sore foot. Nonetheless, the Yankees will continue to rely on Judge’s exceptional talent as they navigate through their current injury woes.
