MINNEAPOLIS — Aaron Judge provided a definitive answer to any lingering concerns about rust, launching a three-run home run to the third deck in left field as the New York Yankees defeated the Minnesota Twins 8-3 on Monday night to clinch their playoff berth.
The majestic blast marked a significant moment for the Yankees captain, who had been working to regain his timing in the initial games following a three-month absence due to injury. The home run, estimated at 397 feet, came at a crucial juncture, seemingly shaking off the struggles of his recent at-bats, which included a 3-for-20 stretch with one walk and 11 strikeouts since his return.
"It feels like Judge is back," teammate José Caballero remarked following the game.
Judge himself acknowledged the importance of the hit, stating, "It felt good — just like the other swings, at least I made contact that time, so it’s a little better than the other ones." He added, "But just trying to get better every single day. I know the ultimate goal is to be ready for the postseason, but there’s some important games the next couple weeks that I got to be ready to go. So I’m just happy I could help the team tonight."
His teammates echoed his sentiment, with Ben Rice expressing his admiration: "Oh my goodness, that was quite a shot. What a swing. You could really get used to seeing that, especially this time of year."
Rice played a role in signaling a potential off-speed pitch before the at-bat, though Judge ultimately connected on an inside cutter for his first home run since May 24.
The Yankees' postseason aspirations hinge heavily on Judge's performance, especially as he returns without a minor league rehab assignment. Manager Aaron Boone expressed satisfaction with Judge's progress, noting, "I’ve been pleased. I haven’t been the least bit concerned about anything. … He’s not all the way where he’s going to get to, but he’s got 20-plus at-bats now, which I think is valuable. We still got a couple weeks now to go and he’s only going to get hopefully more sharp as we head to the finish line."
Boone indicated plans to give Judge rest days leading up to the postseason, potentially resting him on Wednesday and Thursday before the team's off-day, to ensure he is fully prepared for the final series of the regular season and the playoffs.