Disaster in the Bronx: Yankees suffer crushing blow in playoff push

The New York Yankees are bracing for a tough stretch without their leader. Aaron Judge, the heart of the Bronx Bombers, has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strain in his right elbow’s flexor muscle, the team confirmed Sunday.

Yankees confirm Aaron Judge injury

Judge first experienced discomfort during recent games against the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies. After missing Saturday’s matchup with the Phillies, the concern escalated when he visited Yankees team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad, a specialist in Tommy John surgery. Fortunately, the diagnosis ruled out any damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), easing fears of a more serious setback.

“He’s got a flexor strain, but the UCL is in good shape,” said manager Aaron Boone after Saturday’s game. “It could’ve been a lot worse.”

To bolster the roster, the Yankees added 29-year-old Dominican infielder Amed Rosario, who was officially called up Sunday morning. Judge’s IL stint is retroactive to Saturday, July 26.

In Judge’s absence, Cody Bellinger will shift over to right field, while Trent Grisham keeps watch in center. And when Judge does return, he may not be ready to play the outfield right away. That could mean a move to designated hitter, with Giancarlo Stanton potentially sliding back into the outfield. Stanton, for his part, is ready: “Whatever helps the team win,” he said.

Yankees under pressure in playoff race

The timing couldn’t be worse for New York. The Yankees have dropped seven of their last 10 games, and Judge’s injury adds yet another obstacle in an already turbulent season.

They now trail the Toronto Blue Jays by six games in the AL East and are just 1.5 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox, who are nipping at their heels. In the Wild Card race, New York’s cushion is equally thin — they’re holding onto a 1.5-game lead over the surging Seattle Mariners.

Without Judge, the Yankees will have to dig deep to stay in postseason contention — and hope their captain returns sooner rather than later.

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