After crashing into the right-field fence at Dodger Stadium on June 3, Judge tore a ligament in his right big toe, missing 42 games and contributing significantly to the Yankees’ elimination from the postseason.
“It’s going to be I think a constant maintenance I think the rest of my career,” Judge stated on Tuesday. “Anything with injuries like that, you just got to stay on top of it so it doesn’t flare up again.”
On July 28, the friendly 6-foot-7, 282-pound slugger made a comeback and ended up hitting.262 in 106 games with 37 home runs and 75 RBIs.
At a press conference, he laughed and stated, “I think that’s why they moved me to center field because I keep getting hurt in right field.”
He continued, “I think it’s about playing smarter, knowing the field, knowing the dimensions. That always comes back to me because in that instance, I believed I had one more step, but I didn’t. There, I needed to be a little more astute. Thus, yes, I need to play intelligently, exactly like this year. However, I don’t believe center field will have any cement wall bottoms.”
Judge broke Roger Maris’ American League record of 61 home runs in 1961 with 62 in 2022. During his absence last summer, the Yankees batted a major league-low.202 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Judge stated, “A lot of guys were embarrassed.” Almost like a wake-up call, and I believe
The Yankees’ 82-80 record in Judge’s first season as captain was their lowest since 1992, and their 14-year World Series title drought was their longest since the 1978–1996 span.
It continues to bother me. It continues to sting me,” Judge remarked.
Judge, who turns 32 in two months, has amassed impressive stats during his eight major league seasons.
“Rookie of the Year, MVP,” declared Aaron Boone, manager of the Yankees. “You need to win a title.”
Alongside Juan Soto, the talented outfielder acquired from San Diego in December for his final season before free agency, Judge participated in on-field batting practice against Nestor Cortes. Judge emphasized Soto’s dominance throughout the day despite Cortes striking him out three times.