BREAKING: New York Yankees acquire Big Lineup Boost, But Lose Another
Up until last Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, both Juan Soto and Aaron Judge had played every game for the New York Yankees this season.
Soto, an ideal left-handed partner for Judge in the Yankees’ lineup, missed three straight games due to a forearm injury. Despite showing enough improvement to take some swings during the weekend series against the Dodgers, he remained on the bench throughout. The Yankees lost two out of three games in this rare interleague matchup against Los Angeles.
The positive news for the Yankees? Soto is back in the starting lineup for Monday’s game against the Kansas City Royals.
However, the series opener against the Royals will be the first time this season the Yankees’ lineup will be without the recently named AL Player of the Week. Judge hit .500 (10-for-20) with three home runs last week, bringing his league-leading total to 24.
According to Jack Curry of the YES Network, there’s no major concern about Judge’s absence.
“I feel like he needs a day,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone told Curry.
Boone said he never likes sitting Judge. But he added, “I feel like he needs a day.” Judge has 20 HRs in his last 40 games with a slash line of 399/520/957. Insane numbers.
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) June 10, 2024
Judge had started all of the Yankees’ first 67 games this year, more than any other player so far this season. His availability, as the 2022 American League MVP, has been crucial for the Bronx Bombers, who have a league-best 46-21 record after missing the postseason last year.
However, the bigger news is Soto’s return. Forearm injuries can be worrisome if they involve structural damage, especially around the elbow joint. Soto has been a remarkably healthy and productive part of the Yankees’ lineup, boasting a .318 batting average, .424 on-base percentage, and .603 slugging percentage over 64 games. His 1.027 OPS ranks second in baseball, just behind Judge.
The Yankees have not yet officially submitted their lineup. When they do, it will feature a No. 3 hitter other than Aaron Judge for the first time this season.
Seth Lugo (9-1, 2.13 ERA) is starting for the Royals.