Yankees pull Aaron Judge for a pinch hitter in the 6th against Twins because of lower leg tightness

MINNEAPOLIS — In a cautious decision, New York Yankees' star right fielder Aaron Judge was replaced with a pinch hitter in the sixth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday due to discomfort in his lower right leg. This precautionary move came after Judge, who had been on the bench for rest on Tuesday, experienced tightness during his return from a broken rib earlier in the week.

Judge struck out in both at-bats against Minnesota starter Zebby Matthews before being substituted by Heliot Ramos. Although he ran to the gap to field a double in the fifth inning, which was his last action on the field, he did not exhibit any signs of slowing down. Discomfort was felt while playing in the first inning. The three-time American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) went 4 for 26 with 13 strikeouts and one extra-base hit in seven games since his return.

In an interview following the loss to the Twins 5-4 in 13 innings, Judge stated that they are still ramping up and minor issues like this are expected. He could not specify the cause of the injury but opted to come out to avoid potentially costing the team. Judge had previously homered in the series opener at Minnesota on Monday, which helped the Yankees secure a postseason spot.

The Yankees are currently trailing AL East leader Tampa Bay by 3 1/2 games. The team will have a day off on Thursday before playing a three-game series on Friday at Arizona and hosting the Rays in a four-game division-race showdown starting next Tuesday. Judge remarked that such issues are common at the beginning of the season, and they have been fortunate that no major problems have arisen during his recovery.