Is Yankees’ Aaron Judge Hurt or Just in a Slump?

NEW YORK — Yankees fans are scratching their heads lately: Is superstar Aaron Judge still hurting from his elbow injury, or is he just going through a rough patch at the plate? Manager Aaron Boone has a simple answer – don’t worry, Judge’s explosive hot streak is right around the corner.

“I always know it’s coming with Aaron,” Boone said before Monday’s 6-2 win over Minnesota. “It’s only a matter of time before he catches fire and starts carrying this team again.”

While Judge did smash an RBI single in the 7th inning, he finished 1-for-4 with two strikeouts. Since returning from the injured list last Tuesday, his numbers (.211 avg, 0 HR, 2 RBI in 6 games) have fans concerned.

The Injury Question:

That elbow strain that sidelined Judge? The Yankees insist it’s NOT affecting his hitting. In fact, his throwing rehab is going so well he might return to right field this weekend in St. Louis after DH-only duty since coming back.

The Big Picture
Despite the recent struggles, Judge remains an MVP frontrunner:

• Leads AL with .336 batting average

• 37 HR (2nd in AL)

• 87 RBI (tied for 2nd)

Remember his historic start? Through May 31:

• .398 batting average

• 21 HR, 50 RBI in just 57 games

“Every hitter goes through this,” Boone said. “The 10-day break actually helped him work on his swing. He’s getting on base, getting hits – it’ll all click soon.”

Yankees fans should relax. Judge has spoiled us with his otherworldly production. Even his “slumps” (.261 since June with 16 HR) would be career years for most players. When he erupts again – and Boone promises he will – it’ll be must-see TV.

Now batting just one game ahead of Cleveland for the final Wild Card spot, the Yankees are counting on their captain to wake up those sleeping giants in his bat. If history tells us anything? He’s about to go on a tear that’ll shake the AL playoff race.