After the devastating news about Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees can heave a sigh of relief as experts declare that Aaron Judge's injury is not that serious and that he could be available come opening day.
New York Yankees' spring training will be affected, though, as the 2022 American League MVP will be forced out to heal his abdomen issue better.
Judge underwent an MRI for what his camp thought was an abdomen injury. The tests came back clean.
The player said he is confident he will be in good shape by the opening day on March 28 but insisted that he will be smart about the days leading up to it.
"The most important thing is opening day, and I rather take some days now and be smart about it," he said.
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The Yankees are being cautious about their superstar's health.
He missed 42 games last season, no thanks to a toe injury he suffered when he hit the Los Angeles Dodgers' stadium's right-field fence.
Judge also explained that his current issue is normal for a baseball player and just part of his recovery.
"I think just from swinging from November all the way until now every single day kind of get some wear and tear on it," he said.
"And especially coming back after a toe injury when you're trying to, you know, mechanics are a little messed up and you're just working on something. So I think it's just part of being a baseball player every day."
The Yankees struggled with his absence and did not make the 2023 postseason.
Since November, Judge has been working to get back in top shape through an off-season hitting program.
How many Yankees spring training will he miss?
Fans have nothing to worry about as manager Aaron Boone cleared that the 31-year-old outfielder is "penciled in" to play against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.
"The testing they did showed nothing," Boone told reporters.
"So I think this is really being cautious and trying to get out ahead of something."
Gerrit Cole injury update
The biggest concern for the Yankees right now is Gerrit Cole, who might be out indefinitely.
Boone said they will need further tests on his elbow injury, which they earlier described as already recovering.
Cole has been making fewer pitches than usual during his spring training.
The starting pitcher traveled to Los Angeles to undergo tests under the supervision of specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Dodgers' designated physician.
Cole underwent an MRI on Monday, followed by X-rays and a CT scan the next day.
Boone said they still don't know what they are dealing with regarding Cole's elbow, and he does not want to get ahead of things.
However, they are preparing for the worst when it comes to their pitching situation.
Carlos Rodon might start the second match against the Houston Astros. However, they still do not have a name to replace Cole as the starting pitcher for their opener.
Marcus Stroman, who they signed to a two-year, $37 million during the offseason, is rumored to start.
Related article: Gerrit Cole Injury Confuses Yankees Coach Aaron Boone-How Much Time Will the Pitcher Miss?
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