Aaron Judge's Injury Is Getting MORE Scans and That's Why Yankees Fans Should Be Sweating

Okay, Emerald City, while our M's took a tough 7-1 loss to the Mets this week, serious drama is brewing out east. The Yankees' captain, Aaron Judge, was out of the lineup for his third straight game on Thursday. What started as "discomfort" is looking way more serious. We're talking additional testing, folks, after an initial bone bruise diagnosis near his right rib cage. This isn't just a bump; the Bombers are sweating, and you gotta wonder if this thing is worse than they're letting on.

More Tests, More Worries For the Bronx Bombers

Judge first reported discomfort during the Yankees' series against the Athletics in West Sacramento, missing his first game Tuesday. Now, a New York specialist confirmed the initial bone bruise diagnosis near his right rib cage. But here's the kicker: *additional testing was ordered*. Judge had an MRI Wednesday night and X-ray and CT scans on Thursday. Why all the extra imaging, you ask? Because it suggests this issue might be more significant than manager Aaron Boone initially indicated. Boone sounded anxious, saying, "I want to know, I think, as much or more than all of you," admitting they're "hoping there’s that chance" Judge can avoid the injured list. Max Schuemann started right field, batting ninth.

A Familiar Problem? Judge's Past and Present Struggles

This isn't just about one missed game. The Yankees dropped a 5-4 loss Wednesday without Judge, their third defeat in four games. The frustration is clear. Gerrit Cole said, "Aaron obviously means a lot to us. He just plays great baseball all the time and brings great energy. It’s tough when guys get hurt, but unfortunately, it’s part of the game. As a team, you’ve got to figure out how to step up in those situations, and so that’s what we’ll do." Boone revealed Judge has been managing discomfort in his right shoulder for "the last couple of weeks," feeling it only when swinging. He hasn't spoken to reporters and can't identify a specific play where discomfort began. His recent numbers aren't screaming health: since May 11, Judge is a meager 14-for-68 (.206) with one homer, eight RBIs, and 19 strikeouts. While he's slashing .248/.375/.533 with 17 homers and 38 RBIs overall in 59 games, that recent slump is concerning. This isn't his first rib cage rodeo. In 2019, Judge suffered a stress fracture of his right first rib and a partially collapsed lung from a diving catch. He played through that, but would've been on the injured list until June if the 2020 season started on time. The Yankees aren't ruling out an IL stint this time. Boone stated, "We just want clarity on what we’re exactly dealing with." José Caballero has also started in right field. Losing the 34-year-old, a three-time AL MVP in the last four years, is a gut punch. So, what's next? The Yankees are desperate for a full diagnosis and a timeline. For them, it's all about figuring out their course of action. For us, here in the PNW, we'll keep our eyes on our Mariners, hoping for some big swings from Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez as the regular season rolls on. Let's bring that energy to T-Mobile Park! Go M's!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.