Yankees To Place MVP Candidate Aaron Judge on Injured List
The Boston Red Sox have dealt with their fair share of injuries this season, and that trend continued on Friday when rookie infielder Marcelo Mayer was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right wrist strain.
Mayer’s injury comes at a challenging time with Major League Baseball’s trade deadline less than a week away, and Red Sox manager Alex Cora will once again try to find the right infield mix while that talented rookie is sidelined.
While Mayer’s absence certainly marks another setback for the Red Sox’s recently slumping offense, there’s an even bigger concern taking place in The Bronx following news that New York Yankees outfielder and American League MVP candidate Aaron Judge is dealing with a potentially serious elbow injury.
According to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, the Yankees will place Judge on the 10-day IL with an elbow flexor strain after testing ruled out UCL damage or a need for Tommy John surgery. Judge’s absence also has the potential to impact the team’s trade deadline plans next week. And after acquiring Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon on Friday, the Yankees could be forced to search for outfield help with Judge expected to be sidelined over the next few weeks.
Following a 9-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reported via social media that Yankees manager Aaron Boone is hopeful that Judge could return as the team’s primary designated hitter once healthy.
“Boone said the Yankees believe Judge can return in 10 days, said Castillo. “Whenever he comes off the IL, he’ll return as a DH with hopes that he can return to the outfield after a throwing ramp-up. Boone said he spoke to Giancarlo Stanton about playing some outfield when Judge returns.”
The two-time American League MVP and seven-time All-Star was hitting .342 with 37 home runs and 85 RBIs before injuring his elbow against the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this week.