New York Yankees star Aaron Judge told reporters that the big toe injury he suffered last season will likely impact him for the rest of his career, while saying he expects the team to add another talented player in free agency.
Judge missed 42 games after tearing a ligament in his right big toe when he crashed into the fence at Dodger Stadium on June 3, and his absence played a major role in the Yankees’ fall from the playoff picture. .
Despite his lengthy absence, the 6-foot-7, 282-pound slugger returned on July 28 and ended up hitting .262 with 37 home runs and 75 RBIs in 106 games.
But ahead of the new season, Judge admitted he will have to overcome the toe injury for the rest of his career.
Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “I think it will be a constant maintenance for the rest of my career.” Anything with injuries like that, you just have to be aware of it so it doesn’t flare up again.
Aaron Judge told reporters he expects the toe injury to persist for the rest of his career.
Judge missed 42 games last season after injuring his toe colliding with an outfield wall.
“I keep getting hurt in right field, so I think that’s why they moved me to center field,” he added, drawing laughter at a news conference.
‘I think it’s about playing smarter, understanding the field, understanding the dimensions. In that case, I thought I had an extra step and I didn’t do it in that situation, so that always backfires on me.
‘I have to be a little smarter there. So, yeah, just like this year, I have to play smart. But no, I don’t think there are cement walls in center field.’
Reporters also asked him if he thought the team had another move in mind, given the numerous big-name pitchers still on the free agent market.
“I hope so, they’re always working, you know?” the powerful slugger responded.
Judge also told reporters that he expects the Yankees to make another big signing in free agency.
“You know, that’s the amazing thing about being here with the Yankees, you know, they’re always trying to get better.” They’re always trying to make moves…whether it’s through trade, whether it’s through free agency.
“So I definitely feel like there could be another move on the way, but you never know what we’ll see.”
Last week, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman echoed similar sentiments that the organization may not be done adding firepower ahead of next season when he said: ‘We’re not “down on the pencils.” no way. “If there are ways to improve the club, we can be open to it.”
New York has been heavily linked to National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell, as well as a reunion with World Series champion Jordan Montgomery.