New York Yankees fans held their breath as star outfielder Aaron Judge exited Tuesday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks after being struck by a pitch.
The 2022 AL MVP took a 94.5 mph fastball to his left hand in the third inning, immediately showing signs of discomfort. After attempting to play through the pain, Judge was eventually removed from the game in the fifth inning.
Yankees Hold Their Breath
Manager Aaron Boone told reporters post-game: "He's got some soreness there. We'll see how he is when he comes in tomorrow." The Yankees are anxiously awaiting further evaluation, with X-rays expected to determine the severity of the injury.
Playoff Implications
With the Yankees currently leading the AL East, any significant absence from Judge could derail their championship aspirations. The slugger has been on fire recently, batting .309 with 19 home runs since June 1st.
Teammate Giancarlo Stanton expressed concern: "He's our leader out there. You never want to see your guy take one like that."
History of Hand Injuries
This isn't Judge's first brush with hand injuries. In 2018, he missed seven weeks with a fractured wrist after being hit by a pitch. Yankees medical staff will be particularly cautious given this history.
As the baseball world waits for updates, one thing is certain - the Yankees' championship hopes may hinge on Judge's recovery timeline.
