The New York Yankees made it back to the World Series last year for the first time since 2009 but lost in just five games. Their most crushing moment came in Game 5, when they gave up a five-run lead in the fifth inning, largely due to two critical defensive errors that led to five unearned runs off ace Gerrit Cole — all in front of their home crowd at Yankee Stadium.
The 2025 season began with high hopes. By May 28, the Yankees had built a seven-game lead in the American League East. Since then, however, the team has struggled, losing 21 of their last 34 games, including two separate six-game losing streaks. They now trail the Toronto Blue Jays by three games.
Strange Incident Highlights Yankees’ Struggles
During Saturday’s game against the Mets — a 12-6 loss in the “Subway Series” — a strange moment seemed to sum up the Yankees’ recent misfortunes. Between the fourth and fifth innings, shortstop Anthony Volpe casually threw a ball across the diamond and accidentally hit team captain Aaron Judge in the face near his right eye.
Despite the incident, Judge returned to the field for the sixth inning with a bandage covering the cut. Video footage showed blood near the injury, but the team later confirmed it wasn’t serious.
When asked about how he felt after the game, Judge responded with a single word: “Good.”
Yankees Can’t Afford to Lose Judge
Manager Aaron Boone admitted he was initially worried but said Judge appeared to be okay: “He had a little cut. In the end, I don’t think it’s anything too serious.”
Judge’s presence is critical. In 2023, he missed 42 games due to a toe injury, and the Yankees went 19-23 without him. This season, he has played in all 89 games and is on track for a potential Triple Crown. He currently has 32 home runs, 71 RBIs, and a .361 batting average — all near the top of the league.
Judge also leads several advanced statistical categories, including Wins Above Replacement (WAR), runs created, offensive win percentage, and on-base percentage.
His performance continues to shine even as the team struggles, and any time missed due to injury would be a serious blow to the Yankees’ playoff hopes.
