Yankees Pull Aaron Judge Due to Lower Leg Tightness During Loss to Twins

Aaron Judge exited Wednesday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Minnesota Twins in the sixth inning after experiencing tightness in his lower right leg.

New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge was removed for pinch hitter Heliot Ramos in the sixth inning of Wednesday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Minnesota Twins. According to ESPN, the three-time American League MVP exited the contest due to tightness in his lower right leg. Judge, who went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts against Minnesota starter Zebby Matthews, stated he first felt the discomfort while playing the field in the opening inning.

The injury occurred in Judge's seventh game since returning from a long-term absence caused by a broken rib. In that span, he has gone 4-for-23 with 13 strikeouts and one extra-base hit. Despite tracking down a double in the gap during the fifth inning, Judge opted to leave the game to avoid further aggravation, though he noted he does not currently expect to undergo testing on the leg.

New York now trails the Tampa Bay Rays by four games in the AL East standings. The club previously clinched a postseason berth during Monday's series opener, a game in which Judge hit a home run. Manager Aaron Boone expressed hope that treatment would allow the outfielder to return to the lineup soon. The Yankees have a scheduled off day Thursday before traveling to face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday.