Judge, who injured his toe when he smashed through the outfield fence at Dodger Stadium while making a terrific catch, said he “didn’t feel limited at all” during the BP hearing. Judge also participated in some outside practices, played catches in the outfield and did some light running.
The judge said it was “hard to describe” the feeling in the toe, but said he “wouldn’t call it pain.” He did not provide a schedule for returning to the Yankees lineup.
“It hasn’t been cured, so it’s clearly what it is,” the judge said. “But we’re making progress every day. … I don’t have a date. I don’t have anything for you about that. But you ask how I feel and how we’re moving on, and we’re progressing nicely and getting closer.”
“We’re encouraged by what we’ve seen in the last week or so from the strike [and running] From a point of view,” Boone said of the judge’s progress. I think it would be best to get to the next level of being able to leave it out of reach. It’s already running this week, but where you can stop, start and cut. The batting is going really well.”
Boone said there was no discussion of possible minor league rehab games.
“It’s more about getting to the point where he’s ready to get into a game,” Boone said. “And then we’ll make those decisions at that point… The most important thing is to have stamina in that match, stamina.”
Without a judge’s return schedule, the Yankees opened the second half of the season looking to right the ship at the plate even without the central component of their lineup. They hoped that hitting-friendly Coors Field would help their bats launch.
For now, the judge will continue to watch from the dugout until the last moment when he is able to play. He certainly may not be 100 percent when he returns to action, given that he said he hasn’t ruled out off-season surgery on his toe.
But a judge less than 100 percent would certainly be a huge lift for a struggling New York lineup.
“He’ll pay,” Boone said, “but he’ll know when he’s ready.” “…it will be ready when it is ready.”
“Food ninja. Friendly thinker. Explorer. Entrepreneur. Zombie junkie.