Since returning, Aaron Judge is just 4-for-23 (.173) with his sole home run coming Monday, helping the Yankees clinch a playoff spot. Jesse Johnson / Imagn Images
Sept. 16, 2026 Updated 4:18 pm EDT
MINNEAPOLIS — In a potentially concerning development, the New York Yankees pulled star right fielder Aaron Judge from the sixth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins after he experienced lower-right-leg tightness.
He was removed before his at-bat with one out and a runner on first base, with the Yankees down 2-0. Heliot Ramos took over for Judge at the plate and later in right field.
Judge was 0-for-2 with two swinging strikeouts before exiting. He had Tuesday off, and the Yankees have an off day Thursday.
The 34-year-old was eight games into his comeback. He missed more than three months with a stress fracture in his first right rib before he returned Sept. 8 without playing in a rehab assignment. Instead, Judge took a round of live batting practice, hit off a high-velocity pitching machine and had a coach hit him fly balls.
Since returning, he is just 4-for-23 (.173), with his sole home run coming Monday, helping the Yankees clinch a playoff spot.
This story will be updated.
Sep 16, 2026
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle