Surprising Decision: Following 1-9 Loss to Giants, Aaron Boone Sidelines Aaron Judge for Two Weeks Saying—“I Don’t Want to Lose Him”.
In a move that has stunned Yankees fans and Major League Baseball alike, manager Aaron Boone announced late Friday night that star slugger Aaron Judge will be sidelined for the next two weeks. The announcement came shortly after the Yankees suffered a disheartening 1-9 defeat at the hands of the San Francisco Giants—a game in which Judge went hitless and appeared visibly frustrated.
Boone addressed reporters following the loss, citing Judge’s lingering physical issues and the need to protect his long-term health. “It’s not ideal, I get it,” Boone said. “But right now, I don’t want to lose him for the season. I’d rather lose him for two weeks than two months. It’s about the bigger picture.”
Sources close to the team say Judge has been playing through nagging soreness in his lower body, including his hip and toe, both of which have hampered him in the past. Though Judge has not officially been diagnosed with a new injury, Boone described the decision as a “precautionary move” driven by cumulative wear and tear.
The timing, however, couldn’t be worse for the Yankees. After a hot start to the season, the team has stumbled over the past week, losing five of their last seven games. Judge’s absence leaves a glaring hole in the middle of the lineup, one that Boone acknowledged will be difficult to fill.
“Look, he’s the heartbeat of this team,” Boone said. “But I’d rather see him in October at full strength than risk breaking him down now.”
Judge has yet to publicly comment on the decision, though clubhouse insiders say he was “disappointed but understanding.” The 2022 AL MVP has been a force at the plate again this season, hitting .298 with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs in just 28 games.
In Judge’s absence, Boone plans to shuffle the lineup, likely relying more heavily on Juan Soto, Giancarlo Stanton, and younger talent like Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera to carry the offensive load.
Fans and analysts alike are divided on Boone’s surprising call. Some argue it’s a smart, long-term move that prioritizes player health, while others criticize the Yankees for giving up momentum during a critical stretch of the season.
As the Yankees prepare for a six-game road trip, the pressure is on Boone and the rest of the roster to prove they can stay afloat without their captain.
One thing is clear: all eyes will be on the Bronx as the team navigates the next two weeks without their most valuable player. Whether this bold decision pays off remains to be seen.
