New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge has voiced concerns over his team's "lack of focus" as the club's losing streak extended to seven games following a 6-2 defeat against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.
Judge, who is currently on the injured list with a rib injury, addressed the team's recent performance, stating, "It’s not great. Just a little lack of focus. We just gotta dial it in. Our ultimate goal is to win a World Series. I think guys have to remember that every single day they show up here, we’re here to win a World Series."
He emphasized that the pursuit of the franchise's 28th World Series championship should serve as ample motivation. "That should motivate you every single day you step on that field, no matter what happens, no matter what happens the day before," Judge said. "I got a job to do. We’ve got an important sign when you walk out on the field. It’s the last sign you see before you’re out there: it says 'do your job.' Guys are here to do their job."
The Yankees' recent struggles have seen them drop seven straight games and eight of their last 10, falling three games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East standings. Despite the skid, the team still holds a position in the American League Wild Card standings.
Judge provided little positive update on his own recovery, noting the uncertainty surrounding his return. "You know how it goes around here — guys can feel good, feel bad, but you’ve got to wait on images," he said regarding his rib injury. He indicated that more imaging would be done, following the initial diagnosis timeline of four-to-six weeks.
The All-Star break, scheduled to begin July 13, could offer a potential reset for the team as they aim to reverse their current performance.