Aaron Judge's rib injury sent shockwaves through the Yankees and Major League Baseball, but South Shore Press Sports Director Tom Barton says the diagnosis could have been much worse. While Judge is expected to miss four to six weeks, Barton believes the Yankees remain positioned for a postseason run and should focus on getting healthy for October.
Stefan Mychajliw: Tom, let's get right to it. How bad is this injury to Aaron Judge?
Tom Barton: It's actually encouraging news. I know that sounds strange when you're talking about a player being out four to six weeks, but the fact that Judge went to a specialist and ruled out Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is huge. That's a condition that can be career-altering or even career-ending in some cases. The best news is that it's not that.
Stefan Mychajliw: So there is a silver lining here?
Tom Barton: Absolutely. It may take some time before Judge is fully himself again, maybe even until September, but this doesn't threaten his career. Once they ruled out the more serious possibilities, the outlook became much more positive.
Stefan Mychajliw: Is there anything the Yankees can do in the short term to offset his absence?
Tom Barton: I don't think they need to make a major move. Spencer Jones is up. Giancarlo Stanton is expected to be re-evaluated soon and could return within a week or two. Jasson Domínguez is already on a rehab assignment. It's not just about Judge. They have reinforcements coming.
Stefan Mychajliw: Is this the kind of injury that throws a massive monkey wrench into the season?
Tom Barton: No. The Yankees' pitching is good enough to hold things together. It won't be easy, especially with Tampa Bay right there in the division race, but this isn't a throw-away-the-season situation.
Stefan Mychajliw: So Yankee fans should relax?
Tom Barton: They should. The division race is going to be tight and competitive, but the Yankees are still a playoff team. The priority now is getting healthy. If Judge, Stanton and the rest of the roster are healthy for October, anything can happen once you get into the postseason.