Aaron Judge may “never be normal” as big toe injury lingers
With reports that the Yankees captain may need surgery in the off season, Aaron Judge stays positive despite admitting that he may “never be normal” again.
The selection of Aaron Judge to the American League All-Star roster was a formality. After all, he is one of the best outfielders in the game. Of course he will be selected. Unfortunately, it was also only ceremonial. There is no way that Judge will play.
After a sprained big toe on his right foot saw him exit the game at Dodger Stadium, few could have guessed that it would take so long to come back. So far, he has missed a month, and there is little prospect of him coming back any time soon.
It turns out that the sprain was a torn ligament, and although his rehab has made some progress, it is still a long way off the mark for a professional baseball player. Particularly the captain and center fielder for the New York Yankees.
“I’ve got to be able to run,” says Judge. “If I can run, then I can play. Me running at 10 percent isn’t going to help anybody out there.”
Recently resuming baseball activities, Judge is hitting off a tee, hitting flip toss, and playing catch.
“It’s not great. I don’t think it’ll ever be normal, but I’m moving around pretty well right now.” When asked to clarify what he meant, Judge responded, “I can’t see the future. I’m just telling you how it is right now and what we’ve got.’’
While he is exploring all options including insoles in his shoes to relieve the pressure that his 6 foot 7 inch, 282 pound frame exerts on that toe, he is reluctant to specify what will happen.
“There’s talk of surgery, but I don’t think we’re at that yet,” says Judge. “I’m not a doctor. I have no idea. They throw around eight different things.”
The Yankees are 13-13 without Judge and have spent the last month languishing in third place in the AL East, eight games behind the Rays.