TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees star Aaron Judge made a triumphant return to the lineup on Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates after a nine-day absence due to an abdominal injury. Judge’s comeback was highly anticipated, as he had not played since March 10 when he faced the Atlanta Braves.
The Yankees’ outfielder revealed that he first experienced discomfort in his abdomen during a swing follow-through a few weeks ago. This injury marked another setback for Judge, who missed 42 games last season due to a torn ligament in his right big toe.
In addition to Judge’s return, third baseman DJ LeMahieu remained sidelined with a bone bruise after fouling a ball off his right foot during a recent game. Despite the setback, LeMahieu expressed hope that he would be ready for Opening Day, but manager Aaron Boone urged caution to prevent any further complications.
LeMahieu emphasized the importance of not rushing his recovery, acknowledging the progress he had made in recent days. While his immediate focus was on reducing swelling and managing pain, LeMahieu remained optimistic about returning to the field for the season opener in Houston.
The Yankees also faced challenges with ace pitcher Gerrit Cole, who was sidelined for several weeks due to nerve irritation and edema in his throwing elbow. Cole’s absence presented a significant blow to the team, with his return not expected until late May at the earliest.
Despite these setbacks, the Yankees remained optimistic about the upcoming season, with Judge’s return providing a much-needed boost to the team’s lineup. As Opening Day approached, the team worked diligently to ensure that key players like Judge and LeMahieu were in prime condition for the start of the regular season.