Aaron Judge Injury Concern Dampens Yankees' Extra-Inning Loss

The New York Yankees lost to the Minnesota Twins 5-4 in 13 innings on Wednesday, but the game's outcome was overshadowed by an early exit from star outfielder Aaron Judge due to right lower leg tightness. Judge, who recently returned after missing over three months with a stress fracture in his right rib, was replaced by a pinch hitter in the sixth inning.

The Yankees had been cautious in managing Judge's return, incorporating days off and not sending him on a rehab assignment. He had played four consecutive games before Tuesday and had two full days out of the lineup across his first six games back.

Judge appeared to grimace during an at-bat in the third inning, leading to his removal. With 10 games remaining in the regular season, the Yankees can ill afford to lose Judge again, as they trail the division lead by four games and are vying for playoff positioning.

In the game itself, the Yankees rallied late to tie the score. Anthony Volpe hit a two-out, two-run double in the top of the ninth inning to even the game at 2-2. Ali Sánchez gave the Yankees a lead in the 10th with an RBI single, but the Twins quickly responded.

The Twins tied the game in the bottom of the 10th and again in the 11th. Victor Caratini ultimately drove in the winning run in the bottom of the 13th inning with a ground ball that went under an outfielder's glove.

Pitcher Carlos Rodón delivered a solid performance, allowing two runs over six innings, marking his 25th consecutive start allowing three runs or fewer. Clarke Schmidt made his first appearance since Tommy John surgery, pitching in the seventh inning.