Why Did the New York Yankees Sit Aaron Judge On Sunday?

As the hot summer days roll on, the tension in the world of MLB rises. Having just returned from injury, Aaron Judge played brilliantly in the first two games of the series before sitting out the decisive third game. 

After a performance where he went 0-for-1 but walked three times, followed by a stellar game with 2-for-5, and a powerful two-run home run, many are questioning why Judge was sidelined for Sunday’s game. His record speaks for itself – when he’s in the game, he performs. The fact that he was held back suggests that the Yankees are playing a careful game and don’t want him to reinjure himself. 

This strategy might seem reasonable, especially considering Judge’s recent long stint on the injured list. However, critics argue that the Yankees’ caution is misplaced. Currently languishing at the bottom of the American League East, the team’s chances of making the playoffs are growing slimmer by the day. Without their best player, those odds could dwindle even further.

Let’s take a closer look at the current scenario. With the adoption of the designated hitter in the American League and, more recently, in the National League, teams can reduce the physical strain on key players by limiting their role to batting. With the DH, a player like Judge could still contribute significantly to the Yankees’ offense without risking reinjury in the field.

Therefore, why aren’t the Yankees leveraging this? Instead of keeping Judge on the bench, they could have him in the DH spot, which may boost the team’s offensive output and help them gain some ground in the intensely competitive American League East. It’s not as if the Yankees have a cushion at the top of the division – they’re fighting for every win, and each game matters.

Betting odds for the Yankees have reflected this strategic problem. Sportsbooks currently have the Yankees’ odds to make the playoffs at a staggering +600, reflecting their last-place standing in their division. If the Yankees want to change these odds and prove they’re serious about making a run for the postseason, having Judge in the lineup as much as possible could be the key.

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