Yankees exercise caution with Aaron Judge's practice amid planned days off

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge may be rested for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles due to his recovering torn toe ligament.

The New York Yankees are proceeding with caution when it comes to Aaron Judge's return from a torn toe ligament. Despite his impressive performance on Saturday, where he recorded three hits and a 442-foot home run, the team has decided to rest him for Sunday's game against the division-leading Orioles. This decision has been met with criticism on social media, as the Yankees are currently in last place and 3.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot. However, the team wants to ensure that Judge properly builds up his strength after not going on a rehab assignment. Instead, he participated in simulated games at Yankee Stadium and the team's complex in Tampa.

With the Yankees in the midst of an uninterrupted 13-game stretch, there are no natural off days to give Judge a break. Manager Aaron Boone wants Judge in as many games as possible during this stretch, but also recognizes the need to be smart and cautious given his extended absence from playing games. Judge himself expressed a desire to play in each of the Orioles games, wanting to make up for the time he has missed. However, he understands the team's concerns and is willing to have a discussion with Boone about the schedule moving forward.

Overall, the Yankees are taking a cautious approach with Aaron Judge's return, prioritizing his long-term health and ensuring he is fully ready to contribute to the team's push for a playoff spot. While fans may be eager to see Judge back in action, the team is focused on his overall well-being and avoiding any setbacks that could hinder his performance.