Aaron Judge out of Yankees lineup, dealing with “lower-body tightness”

When Aaron Boone removed Aaron Judge from last night’s game in the sixth inning, warning bells sounded in the heads of Yankees fans. Boone downplayed, noting it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, saying he just wanted to get the right fielder some rest.

“Coming off four days on the turf [in St. Petersburg, Fla.] and with a little bit of leverage there, just trying to be smart with these guys. [Judge] really hasn’t had that day down and I want to make sure we are being smart with everyone,’” the Yankees’ manager explained to George A. King III.

Today, though, Boone’s tune has changed, as he told Lindsey Adler that Judge is dealing with “lower-body tightness.” He doesn’t consider it an injury situation, but he doesn’t want it to escalate to that level. As a result, Judge isn’t in tonight’s lineup. Clint Frazier will instead roam right field for the Bombers.

Judge, 28, has torn the cover off the ball in 2020, slashing .290/.343/.758 with a league-leading nine home runs. His 199 wRC+ ranks sixth among all qualified batters. Here’s hoping he takes it easy and gets back on the field soon.