Ohtani Return Gives MLB, Fox a Boost; Judge Heads to IL
The two MLB superstars reverse their roster status from two weeks ago.
MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani is set to return from his lengthy injury woes, while Yankees slugger Aaron Judge faces an even longer absence. Ohtani, often regarded as the league's most popular player, is expected to be activated from the injured list as early as Wednesday. Slumping through much of August, Ohtani was placed on the injured list on September 9 due to issues with his right biceps and left knee.
Despite his expected return, Ohtani will not be pitching upon his return, as he has not thrown since early July. However, his presence in the Dodgers lineup will undoubtedly provide a boost for the team as they pursue their third consecutive MLB championship title. Ohtani's activation could also significantly boost viewership for Fox, which will broadcast the National League Division Series, Championship Series, and World Series.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Ohtani's potential return, stating that "there's a good chance [that] next series we'll see him" during their final homestand of the regular season against the Padres.
On the other side of the MLB, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is grappling with a nagging calf injury and is now expected to miss the upcoming Wild Card series, likely against the Red Sox. Judge, who has long been considered Ohtani's closest competitor in terms of fame among MLB players, returned to action earlier this month after missing 99 days due to a fractured rib.
However, he regressed to the injured list last Saturday with a right calf strain, which is currently graded as moderate. Judge received a platelet-poor plasma (PPP) injection on Monday to aid in his recovery. Unlike Ohtani, Judge's injury is not expected to impact his ability to pitch, but Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that "we're planning on him not being a part of that" during the postseason series against Boston.
The contrasting statuses of Ohtani and Judge essentially reverse their situations from two weeks ago, when Judge was activated from the injured list and Ohtani went on it.
Written by urgent.news from Front Office Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
