MINNEAPOLIS — It’s one thing for Aaron Boone to express confidence in Aaron Judge’s comeback after a lengthy injury absence, but witnessing Judge hit a powerful home run is something else entirely.
On Monday night, the Yankees’ captain fulfilled Boone’s hope, demonstrating he’s back to form by smashing a three-run homer that soared to the third deck in left field. This helped the Yankees secure an 8-3 victory against the Twins and clinch their playoff spot.
“It feels like Judge is back,” remarked José Caballero.
The towering homer was measured at only 397 feet, which is a bit surprising, especially considering Judge had struggled earlier, posting just 3 hits in 20 at-bats, along with one walk and 11 strikeouts since returning. Still, it eased some worries about his timing.
“It felt good — just like the other swings, at least I made contact that time, so it’s a little better than the other ones,” Judge said after grounding into a double play and striking out twice in his first three at-bats. “But just trying to get better every single day. I know the ultimate goal is to be ready for the postseason, but there are some important games the next couple weeks that I’ve got to be ready for. So I’m just happy I could help the team tonight.”
His teammates shared their excitement about the potential this swing demonstrated.
“Oh my goodness, that was quite a shot,” Ben Rice exclaimed. “What a swing. You could really get used to seeing that, especially this time of year.”
Rice seemed to offer some guidance to Judge regarding the Twins’ A.J. Minter, signaling on a changeup before the inside cutter that Judge ultimately crushed for his first home run since May 24.
As the Yankees look ahead to the postseason, much of their hopes rest on the shoulders of the back-to-back AL MVP and his power at the plate, even after his time away from the game without any rehabilitation games.
“I’ve been pleased,” Boone stated. “I haven’t been the least bit concerned about anything. … He’s not all the way where he’s going to get to, but he’s got 20-plus at-bats now, which I think is valuable. We still have a couple weeks to go, and he’s only going to become hopefully more sharp as we head to the finish line.”
As of Monday afternoon, Boone was considering giving Judge a break in Wednesday’s series finale, leading into a day off for the team on Thursday, before aiming to have him ready for the final stretch of the regular season.
