That’s at least a start.
Aaron Judge started showing signs Tuesday night that he’s ready to break out of his season-long funk.
The slugging outfielder doubled and squared off several other pitches in the Yankees’ 4-3 win over the Athletics. This probably indicates that the former MVP is ready to start resembling the player the Yankees hope he will be.
“It’s good to see him somehow get to one win,” manager Aaron Boone said after the Yankees went 3-2 during this seven-game homestand. “It’s a cold night tonight and the wind is blowing. I’m glad he took a shot the other way like that and landed it in right-center field. [Esteury] Lewis toyed with him well. He’s always nearby. It’s good to see him definitely produce and get on base a few times. It’s just a matter of time. ”
Judge entered this tournament in the midst of a major slump, posting a batting average of .174 with 18 strikeouts in his past eight games.
His last long hit was on April 14th.
But he seemed more comfortable at the plate Tuesday, and has now made it safely in four of his past six games.
This is the first time since April 13th that he did not strike out.
He hit a double down the left field line in the Yankees’ first inning and played an important role in scoring four points.
He then scored on Giancarlo Stanton’s double, along with Juan Soto.
In the 3rd inning, he lined out to the right field, and in the 5th inning, he flew to the right center fence.
The ball left the bat at 164 miles per hour and traveled 393 feet.
Obviously, the Yankees need the best judge.
The offense has been a big problem lately, with two shutouts in the first four games of the homestand.
The burden is too heavy on Soto’s shoulders.
If the judge could discover that he had a stroke, many problems would be alleviated.
“He’s had great at-bats all season, getting into deep counts and getting on base,” Stanton said. “It’s just a matter of time before he starts hitting the ball like he did tonight.”
The Yankees can only hope that Judge can take off from here.
