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New York Post | Kevin Kernan: Since returning from injury, Aaron Judge has been as good as we remember, reaching base safely in eight consecutive games and clubbing four homers on top of his .407/.529/.889 slash line. A lot of that success comes from a small tweak to his approach that has him going up the middle or to right field more often. He trains his body to go to right by taking a half-swing between pitches. As the big man puts it:
I’m just staying connected, I always want to have my thoughts and my body in alignment going to right field. What I do is I basically use that first-base line, I kind of line up to that, and that kind of helps me kind of visualize, ‘This is what I want,’ so then I get in the box and I am still thinking that same kind of motion towards where the second baseman is playing.
It’s just muscle memory and if I set there and repeat the swing I feel like with my body already has that same thought into it. I just want to get my barrel in the zone. I want to get into the zone quick and kind of stay through it.
MLB.com | Dawn Klemish: Masahiro Tanaka is an All-Star. Filling in for an injured Marcus Stroman, Tanaka said he was “pretty surprised” to be added to the roster. In what will be his second All-Star appearance, he’ll be joining Gary Sánchez, DJ LeMahieu, Aroldis Chapman, and Gleyber Torres representing the pinstripes this upcoming week at the Midsummer Classic. The only bad news for Tanaka is now has to go spend his week in Cleveland. Pros and cons.
New York Post | George A. King III: When it comes to resting players, Aaron Boone doesn’t see it as a one-size-fits-all scenario. Instead, he looks at each player, what they’re capable of handling, and what situational factors could be effecting them.
I don’t think 162 is ideal. I think you have to try and evaluate. Everyone is a little bit different. I think there are guys certainly capable of 150, 155. Some guys it may be 140. As best you can you have to try and understand individuals and make quality decisions as an organization and what gets the most out of a player. Does a day off now and then really benefit them over the long haul and that is what we are trying to make smart decisions about.
This is good insight into an oft-criticized part of the game, especially for a team like the Yankees with their glut of talent. However, please don’t ever sit Judge. Thank you.