The New York Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles in their first game for the battle between the top teams in the American League East.

The Yankees won the first game of their three-game series in New York, but the job became even harder for the hosts the next day after they did not have ace hitter Aaron Judge in the lineup.

The 2022 AL MVP was removed from the lineup hours before the second game due to a suspected left-hand injury he suffered after being hit by Albert Suárez's 94.1 mph fastball.

He left the game and underwent an immediate X-ray. Doctors found negative results, and Judge was able to avoid extensive injury.

Manager Aaron Boone says they are being cautious

While the results were negative, the decision not to play Judge in the decisive second game of the series was a strategic move.

The Orioles are their division rivals, but manager Aaron Boone is not worried about the position yet.

"I think we both kind of came in a little bit open to (playing Wednesday). And then ultimately I just kind of said, 'I think we should take the day. It doesn't hurt, grand scheme of things,'" Boone said.

"Hopefully serves him well total body as well."

Judge also felt relieved that the injury was not severe, although he thought it could have been worse.

"Anytime you get hit by 94, 95 up and in like that and especially in the hands where there's so many small bones," Judge said.

"You just never know what's going to happen and what it's going to be."