Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge appears to be a full go as Summer Camp opens. He told reporters including James Wagner of the New York Times (Twitter link) that he’s ready for action and preparing for Opening Day.
Judge’s health likely would’ve been a big storyline and major area of uncertainty for the Yanks had the season gotten underway as normal. But when the pandemic put things on ice, Judge had a chance for a lengthy respite to heal from nettlesome rib injury that originally took quite some time to diagnose.
While camp just got started, it’s just over two weeks until baseball’s bizarre 2020 season will be rolling. The quick ramp creates a bit of added concern, but Judge indicated he has already been hitting and putting himself through the paces before reporting for the second preparatory phase of the year.
If indeed Judge — and some other notable Yankees — are fully healed up, they’ll make for an immensely imposing lineup. The short season is generally disadvantageous to the most talented teams, since shorter swings of fortune will create more opportunities for other organizations. Then again, it also means the loaded Yanks roster will not have to endure as long of a grind before launching a hopeful postseason run.
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
not a lineup I would want to face
jeterleader
covid will be the JUDGE of that
costergaard2
Yes inDidi…
pasha2k
Good for Judge. I hope he’s at full strength when he faces the teams.
coachtim
Over/under on games Judge plays this season ⚾️
DannyECO
I bet neither he nor any Yankee will play more than 60 games in the regular season.
briefgalaxy983
No player will play 60 games
brucenewton
35
Phanatic 2022
57… it will give fans hope for next year when he will actually play fewer games
ArianaGrandSlam
Right, but the Opening day may not be ready for him. I mean, am I the only one who’s seeing all the players either getting infected or opting out? The numbers are surely increasing. Not to mention, we already lost DJ.
costergaard2
DJ is not showing symptoms and will be at the Stadium in less than 2 weeks as long as he tests negative…
johndietz
The teams in the East are pitching rich. It won’t be that easy. Their not going to have the central to beat up on
steven st croix
And the on the IL a week later for 2 months
jekporkins
Tomorrow he’s going to pull his elbow brushing his teeth and have surgery. Back in 6 weeks.
Ducky Buckin Fent
Lol
Man… you guys. I can’t tell who is a Yankee fan & who is a Yankee hater.
Awesome to hear Judge is getting healthy & ready to play. He’s a fantastic player who plays with a palpable joie de vivre. No. Your team can’t have him.
😉
Personally, I find that just having a plan in place for an opening day is uplifting. Construction is essential industry (I’ve been saying this for decades!).
We’ve been working the whole time, man.
I’ll enjoy the companionship.
Life is full of uncertainty, man. Yeah. Judge may get hurt. Sure. The season may get cancelled.
These are difficult circumstances. But I will never judge anyone poorly for making an effort.
Fortis fortuna adiuvat.
I mean… or whatever, fellas.
🙂
srechter
Man. From your username to your absolutely refreshing positivity and good-humor, I just love this. Good stuff.
Corazon5
Couldn’t agree more
Ducky Buckin Fent
Top of the morning to you.
I appreciate the kind words.
I guess I’ve just had the good/mis fortune of experiencing a lot of situations. Some of which were…trying.
I’ve served tours. About 16 years ago I suddenly & quite unexpectedly became a single parent. Between those two I had a penchant for waking up on jail cell floors not knowing why I was there. When I joined my partner he was building 20-25 jobs/year. Now we build 300+.
I have flaws, rough edges, & I’ve made countless mistakes.
But one thing I’ve always prided myself on is the fact that I’ve always been willing to make my best effort. Something I learned the value of on the baseball diamond & the football field.
Sports, man.
Uh?
Judge plays incredibly hard. His last injury was due to a huge effort to make a play. I have nothing but respect for that. Knowing he’ll continue to be that type of player is making me smile & shake my head right now, serious.
Same for MLB. I understand that Opening Day II *may* get cancelled. Or the World Series *might* not happen.
I get it.
Yet I can’t help but respect the fact that in the face of,well, *alllllll* this these guys are willing to make their best effort & see how it goes.
I think that’s pretty cool, man. & I’m not ashamed to admit that.
I hope you have a great day @sretcher & that your endeavors bear fruit. Thanks for making my morning a little better.
impapad17
Ducky… the world needs a LOT more people like you. God Bless you… now let’s play ball!!
Rangers29
I am a fan of this news. Despite me being a Rangers and Mets fan, and having a divine hatred of the Yankees… I love watching Aaron Judge. I still hope the Yankees can rot at the bottom of the A.L East, but I still hope Aaron Judge can compete with Joey Gallo and Mike Trout for MVP year in and year out. Judge is on the my list of players that are on teams that I hate, but despite that I still like the player.
David Fletcher
Bryce Harper
Kris Bryant (who’s stance I am currently using, and love)
and Aaron Judge
cant_teach_speed
Aaannnnd he’s broken again….
jessaumodesto
As long as opening day is like what…November?
mlbnyyfan
If Judge not ready everyone should know what I would say by now. LoL
whyhayzee
While a number of players have spoken up about racial issues — both societal and within baseball — this spring, Bryant says the New York Yankees are “subtly discouraging” Aaron Judge from speaking out on issues and encouraging him to be more like Derek Jeter, who was rarely outspoken as a player. Jeter, however, did issue a statement following Floyd’s death.