Aaron Judge’s return to the Yankees lineup lasted just one game.
The slugging outfielder was a late scratch from New York’s lineup shortly before Wednesday night’s game against the Rays. Reasoning for his removal from the lineup wasn’t immediately disclosed by the team, but Judge did not participate in any on-field drills before the game.
Judge made his return from the COVID-19 list on Monday night and went 1-for-4 with a strikeout and a hit by pitch. He has been the Yankees’ best hitter all season, batting .282 with an .897 OPS and 21 home runs through 85 games.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Judge’s removal from the lineup is not due to a pending trade, which would have been highly unlikely despite the deadline nearing.
Aaron Judge was pulled from the #Yankees starting lineup. I guess at this time of year you have to check — and I did. This does not involve a trade.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 28, 2021
Judge has struggled with numerous injuries throughout his career, but manager Aaron Boone has played it safe for much of this season, giving Judge multiple days off when he is dealing with general soreness, and up to this point, it has kept Judge on the field. But he won’t be there when the Yankees go for an important series win over Tampa on Wednesday.
UPDATE: According to Marly Rivera of ESPN, Judge's removal from the lineup is not injury or health related.
#Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was a late scratch today. Sources tell ESPN that his late scratch is not health or injury-related.
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) July 28, 2021
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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