New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge has identified a "lack of focus" as a primary reason for the team's recent seven-game losing streak. Speaking to reporters for the first time since being placed on the injured list, Judge stated that players need to "dial it in" and remember their ultimate goal is to win a World Series.

"Guys just got to do their job," Judge said. "We have an important sign when you walk out on that field, it’s the last sign you see before you go out there. It says, ‘Do your job.’"

The Yankees captain, who is still awaiting further imaging on his injured rib, acknowledged that group discussions about the team's performance are coming "soon." He indicated he has already spoken to individual players about the issue.

"I think you guys see it," Judge commented when asked for specifics. "There’s a couple things. But we don’t need to get into that."

Despite the team's struggles, which have included scoring issues and defensive miscues leading to unearned runs, manager Aaron Boone did not fully agree with Judge's assessment of a lack of focus. Boone suggested that the absence of key players, including Judge, has unsettled the team, particularly defensively.

"I think when we’re right, we’re a quality team in those areas where we’ve made some errors this week and let some unearned runs go," Boone said. "There’s a little bit of a product of us having some important guys [out] around Judgey that settle us especially defensively and some of the little things, so guys are moving around a little bit."

Judge, who has been sidelined for weeks, expressed frustration at not being able to be on the field with his teammates during this difficult stretch.

"I hate missing games, but I hate missing it in times where things aren’t going your way," he said. "That’s when I want to be out there. I want to be grinding with the guys and be part of the solution to get us back where we need to."

Judge deferred questions about his own recovery, stating he would provide an update once he undergoes further imaging, which he expects to take place in the coming weeks. He emphasized that he wants to share the full story of his recovery when he has more concrete information.

The Yankees' performance has been hampered by 10 errors in the past week, leading to 17 unearned runs, alongside difficulties in scoring.