New York, NY – In a tense moment during Tuesday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, Yankees’ standout Aaron Judge was forced to leave the field after being struck on the left pinkie by a 94.1 mph fastball. Despite the discomfort, Judge attempted to continue playing, gritting his teeth and flexing his hand. After being evaluated by a team trainer, Judge decided to remain in the game and even managed to score on a teammate’s hit, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to his team.

However, the impact of the pitch became evident as Judge made his way off the field and towards the clubhouse. Subsequent medical assessments led to the decision to send Judge for imaging at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where he would be further evaluated by the team’s head physician, Dr. Christopher Ahmad. These precautionary measures were taken to ensure the extent of Judge’s injury was properly diagnosed and addressed.

Known for his impressive performance on the field, Judge’s absence from the game could potentially have significant implications for the Yankees. With a batting average of .302 and leading the major leagues in both home runs (26) and RBIs (64), Judge’s presence is crucial for the team’s success. The 32-year-old outfielder has earned multiple All-Star nods and was recognized as the American League MVP in 2022, highlighting his importance to the Yankees’ lineup.

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by high-speed pitches in baseball. In recent memory, other star players like Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers have also suffered injuries from similar incidents, emphasizing the need for player safety measures in the sport. Betts, who recently broke his left hand after being hit by a pitch, is expected to miss significant playing time, demonstrating the potential impact of such injuries on both individual players and their respective teams.

As Judge undergoes further evaluations and treatment for his injury, the Yankees will be faced with the challenge of adapting their lineup without one of their key players. The team will need to rely on its depth and versatility to maintain their competitive edge in the league in the absence of Judge’s contributions. Stay tuned for updates on Judge’s condition and the Yankees’ strategies moving forward in the season.