New York Yankees fans hoping to see Aaron Judge homer this spring need to wait longer than they hoped.
Thankfully for the Yankees, Judge isn’t injured. The Bombers have enough injury issues as is, especially with slugger Giancarlo Stanton (elbow) questionable for Opening Day.
As for Judge, Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Thursday the two-time AL MVP won’t make his spring training debut until roughly March 1.
Boone said he wants to keep Judge and catcher Austin Wells rested after heavy workloads a year ago.
“I just feel like I don’t want to rush him out there,” Boone explained.
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge
Dave Nelson-Imagn Images
The Yankees open spring training Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Numerous starters, including shortstop Anthony Volpe and center fielder Cody Bellinger, are expected to play.
Judge publicly backed Boone’s decision.
“I just do what I’m told,” Judge said, according to the Yankees’ official website.
“I went into his office and we were looking at dates,” Judge continued, adding, “Just as long as that last week, we’re playing almost every day and getting three or four at-bats.”
A large chunk of fans on the Yankees’ subreddit sided with Boone and Judge.
“This is a non issue,” one user wrote. “Anyone complaining and making this a big deal can yell at the clouds.”
“Anyone that has an issue with Aaron Judge resting just remember what happens and what’s happened in the past when Aaron Judge misses games,” another added.
ALLLLLLLLLL RISE!
AARON JUDGE GAME-TYING HOME RUN đŸ¤¯ pic.twitter.com/P2tQxBItoi
— MLB (@MLB) October 17, 2024
Judge played 158 regular-season games and another 14 in the playoffs. The 172 total games marked the most in his career, and he did so a year after only playing 106 games.
“He’s the most important player on this team as he goes the team goes,” read one comment.
However, not all fans agreed. Some criticized Boone’s decision and the impact it has on fans attending games.
“40 million a year,” one user wrote. “Take an at bat and make the people happy. Jeez.”