NEW YORK — In a surprising revelation, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge disclosed that the stress fracture in his right rib originated from a diving attempt to catch a ball during a game in late April. This injury has kept Judge sidelined and raised significant concerns about the Yankees’ performance as they navigate the season without their star player.

Details of the Injury

Judge, a three-time American League MVP, disclosed the extent of his injury before a series opener against the Boston Red Sox. He expressed his disappointment at having to deal with a fracture, stating, “That’s why we went through every measure we could to get an expert to take a look to see what was going on in there, but definitely not what you want to hear — any fracture or anything like that.” His injury stems from a diving catch attempt he made on April 26, which was also his birthday, against the Houston Astros.

Initially, Judge played through discomfort for over a month, but the pain intensified during a series against the Oakland Athletics in Sacramento. He acknowledged that the injury escalated to a point where he was limiting his swings pregame and struggled significantly at the plate, finishing that series with just 2-for-12. The Yankees’ general manager, Brian Cashman, commented that Judge’s decision to play through the injury “probably” exacerbated the situation.

Medical Evaluation and Future Outlook

After undergoing multiple medical evaluations, including X-rays, a CT scan, and an MRI, Judge was examined by Dr. Gregory Pearl, a specialist in thoracic outlet management. Judge maintained that he never believed he was facing a thoracic outlet issue, which would have likely sidelined him for the remainder of the season. “I kind of felt the symptoms for the past month, and we did everything we could to make sure we could be out there,” Judge explained.

The Yankees have placed Judge on the 10-day injured list and will shut him down from all baseball activities for four to six weeks before undergoing further imaging. While Judge did not provide a specific timetable for his return, the team remains optimistic that he will be back in action before the end of the season.

Impact on the Yankees’ Season

The Yankees’ performance without Judge has historically been a mixed bag. Since 2018, the team has a record of 132-121 without him. However, when Judge was sidelined due to injuries in previous seasons, the Yankees have had varying degrees of success. For instance, in 2020, they finished eight games under .500 without him, while in 2021, they went 43-18 during his absence due to an oblique injury. Last season, the Yankees were 19-23 without Judge after he sustained a toe injury, ultimately finishing with a disappointing 82-80 record and missing the postseason for the first time since 2016.

Despite the struggles, the current Yankees roster appears deeper than in recent years, with players like Ben Rice emerging as early AL MVP candidates and Cody Bellinger putting up All-Star-caliber numbers. Cashman expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well without Judge, stating, “I think we have a lot of different players that are more than capable.”

Next Steps for the Yankees

Following Judge’s injury, the Yankees have made roster adjustments, recalling rookie Spencer Jones to fill the void in right field. Jones, who is the Yankees’ No. 5 prospect according to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, has had a rocky start, batting just .167 with 12 strikeouts in his first 10 games with the Yankees. Other potential options for the outfield include Jose Caballero, Amed Rosario, and Max Schuemann.

Additionally, the Yankees are expecting more reinforcements soon. Giancarlo Stanton is making progress from a right calf strain and could return to the lineup in two to three weeks. Meanwhile, Jasson Domínguez, who has just begun a rehab assignment from a shoulder injury, could also be an option for the outfield. Cashman mentioned that discussions have taken place about potentially shifting players around to accommodate the return of these key figures.

Judge’s Resilience and Leadership

Despite the disappointment of the injury, Judge has shown resilience and leadership throughout his career. He has consistently emphasized the importance of being there for his teammates, stating, “You got to be out there. That’s what they’re paying me to do, is to go out there and play.” His commitment to the team has made him a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike.

As the Yankees navigate this challenging period without one of their key players, Judge’s leadership will be missed on the field. However, the team remains optimistic about their depth and the potential for others to step up in his absence. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the challenge of replacing Judge but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to continue winning games. “Obviously you’re not going to replace Aaron Judge, and we all know how important he is to our club,” Boone said, highlighting the expectation to maintain competitiveness.

As the days progress, the Yankees will keep a close eye on Judge’s recovery and the performance of the rest of the team. The outcome of this season may hinge on the ability of the Yankees to adapt and overcome the challenges posed by Judge’s injury, and fans will be watching closely as the story unfolds.

For further details on Judge’s injury and the Yankees’ season, you can read more at ESPN and The Score.