Aaron Judge Exits Early Against Twins in Concerning Yankees Moment

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was replaced by a pinch hitter in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Twins, sparking concern for the team as the regular season nears its close. The exit came in Judge's seventh game back after a three-month absence due to a stress fracture in his right rib.

Judge appeared to grimace while swinging and missing during his third-inning at-bat, which ended in a strikeout. He remained in the game until he was pinch-hit for by Heliot Ramos in the sixth inning. It was not immediately clear when Judge sustained a new injury or what its nature might be, though he did throw a ball in from right field on a double in the bottom of the fifth.

The Yankees have been cautious in reintegrating Judge into the lineup following his extended injured list stint, opting against a rehab assignment. He had two full days off within his first six games back, the most recent being Tuesday, after playing four consecutive games. Judge hit his first home run since returning from the IL on Monday night, the same game the Yankees clinched a playoff berth.