New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge crushed his seventh home run of the season during the team’s 5-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. Judge hit the home run off of Tigers starter Tarik Skubal, a pitcher who has been excellent in 2024.
Video via MLB:
Judge addressed his matchup with Skubal following the game.
“It’s impressive, man,” Judge said, via ESPN. “It’s fun competing against guys like that, especially the young ace of the team. I’m looking forward to more battles with him, that’s for sure.”
Skubal leads the league with 53 strikeouts. He also has a stellar 1.90 ERA across seven games pitched. Skubal pitched well once again on Sunday despite surrendering the home run to Judge. He ultimately struck out 12 batters across six innings while giving up just two runs.
Judge’s ’24 season had not been going to plan before his long ball against the Tigers. He is beginning to get back on track at the plate, however. Judge is now slashing .220/.350/.439/.789. His numbers are obviously not where he wants them to be, but they are trending in a positive direction.
He’s also hit seven home runs and leads the league with 26 walks. However, he also has the most strikeouts in the league with 44.
Nevertheless, Judge, who won the American League MVP award in 2022, is going to produce impressive numbers at the end of the day. He is far too talented of a baseball player to struggle throughout the entire season.
Yankees believe in Aaron Judge
After Sunday’s win, Juan Soto was asked if he thinks Judge is starting to find his rhythm at the plate.
“Yeah, yeah definitely,” Soto said, via YES Network. “Not only Judge, all those guys they put in the work. I think Judge.. I don’t think that was a struggle. Tough month for him. I feel like he’s doing his stuff right. He’s gonna be great. I’m not even worried about Judge. I’ve been always happy hitting in front of him and I know what kind of hitter he is.”
Soto and Judge feature arguably the most talent of any duo in all of MLB. Expectations are high for both players.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was also asked about Judge’s performance, via YES Network as well.
“Obviously I thought he (Judge) swung the bat great today,” Boone said.
Boone added that he felt Judge also looked “in control of the at-bat” during Saturday’s game.
“I do feel like he’s looking better to me,” Boone continued. “But, you know, he’s still working to get all the way there.”
The Yankees are obviously confident in Judge. Aaron Judge is one of the best players in all of baseball when he’s on top of his game. The first month of the season was not ideal for the Yankees star, but New York still found ways to win. In fact, the Yankees are just one game behind the Baltimore Orioles for first place in the American League East as of this story’s writing.
Judge and the Yankees will have an off-day on Monday before beginning a series with the Houston Astros on Tuesday.
