Yankees pull Aaron Judge for a pinch-hitter in the 6th inning vs. Twins

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was substituted for a pinch hitter during the sixth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. This came after Judge had already struck out in his first two at-bats against Minnesota's starting pitcher, Zebby Matthews. Judge, who had been resting on Tuesday, had since returned from a rib injury.

The Yankees have not yet provided a clear explanation for removing Judge. The three-time American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) has a batting average of .308, with 13 strikeouts and one extra-base hit in seven games since his return. Earlier in the series, Judge had hit a home run in the series opener at Minnesota, which helped the Yankees secure a postseason berth. As of Wednesday, the Yankees were trailing AL East leader Tampa Bay by 3.5 games.