The New York Yankees have received a major boost.
On Friday night, they finally activated outfielder and slugger Aaron Judge from the injured list.
The reigning American League MVP and Yankees team captain had been out since early June after running into a wall at Dodger Stadium while attempting to make a catch.
The gate to the Yankees bullpen in right field opened, causing Judge to enter the bullpen.
But with Judge back, it’s important to note just how valuable he is to the Yankees.
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, New York owns a record of 31-20 when he is in the lineup.
However, without Judge, the Yankees are just 25-29.
The Yankees are 31-20 in the games in which Aaron Judge has played this season, and 25-29 when he doesn't play.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 30, 2023
The Yankees fell on hard times when Judge went on the injured list.
They ultimately slipped in a stacked American League East division, falling to last place.
The Yankees remain in postseason contention, as they are only 3.5 games back in the Wild Card race, but without Judge, things became a little bit more difficult.
Fortunately for New York, their team captain is back and ready to lead them out of their slump.
The Yankees won 99 games last season en route to their first AL East title since 2019.
They also made a deep run to the ALCS before being swept by the eventual World Series champion Houston Astros.
With Judge back, the Yankees will look to gain some momentum and pick up some ground in the playoff chase.
New York enters Sunday’s game with a record of 55-49.
Judge being back should give them a boost.
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