DENVER — Aaron Judge took a step in the correct path on Friday, testing his proper large toe with some on-field batting apply at Coors Field.
Judge, who has been out since tearing a ligament in his toe on June 3, mentioned he didn’t really feel restricted “at all” whereas swinging. The outfielder, who’s utilizing orthotic insoles, additionally did some working, although not at full velocity.
“I really wouldn’t say pain,” Judge mentioned when requested if he felt any whereas hitting. “I’d say we’re getting better every single day. Like it’s not healed. So obviously, it is what it is, but we’re progressing every single day.”
While Judge appeared comfortable along with his BP session, he didn’t wish to speak about doable goal dates for his return to a Yankees lineup that has missed him.
“I’m just trying to get closer every single day,” he mentioned. “When I’m out there, you guys will see me out there.”
Aaron Boone, in the meantime, had some enjoyable when requested if there’s “a shot” Judge may return earlier than the tip of July.
“Sure. I think there’s a shot,” Boone mentioned earlier than wanting right into a YES Network digital camera. “Now, is that going to be Aaron Boone mentioned that he thinks he’ll be again in July? That’s not what I mentioned.
“Yes, there’s a shot. But that’s all. I was answering a question. There’s a shot that could happen, but I’m not going to put a timeframe on this. He’s doing well, and we’re encouraged by what we’re seeing. He’ll be ready when he’s ready.”
Boone additionally mentioned he was “encouraged” by Judge’s hitting and working, however he wasn’t fascinated about what number of rehab video games the slugger will want simply but. The supervisor mentioned that call will likely be made as soon as Judge is prepared for video games.
“The biggest step will be when I get a chance to be on the field and I’m in games,” Judge mentioned. “That’s gonna be the real test for me.”
Boone and Judge additionally famous that the latter must construct up his stamina and endurance, a course of that can proceed even after he returns.
“Once we get him back, we’ll probably have to bring that along a little bit slowly,” Boone mentioned, “but I’ve been encouraged that he’s been running and hitting and moving in a good direction.”
Added Judge: “We’re slowly progressing to where we need to be. Now it’s just about getting reps and maybe the endurance and stamina. Being off of it for five weeks is tough.”
CASEY JOINS THE FRAY
Sean Casey made his debut because the Yankees’ new hitting coach on Friday after the workforce fired Dillon Lawson earlier than the All-Star break.
Boone, a teammate of Casey’s in Cincinnati, first felt the previous first baseman could possibly be a coach once they performed collectively. Close pals, Boone mentioned he’s tried getting Casey on his Yankees workers prior to now.
“I’ve known him for almost 30 years,” the skipper mentioned earlier than the collection opener towards the Rockies. “He’s so passionate about hitting. He was a great hitter, obviously. He’s able to talk about it. But he’s such an awesome person, and his ability to connect and develop relationships, I’m confident that that — coupled with his passion and understanding of hitting — has a chance to really impact this year over the final couple of months of the season.”
Boone mentioned that he needs Casey to begin placing his stamp on the workforce over the subsequent few days as he settles in. It appears that gamers, in the meantime, are already taking a liking to him.
“He’s looking forward to taking on the challenge of being here and he’s excited about being here, and we’re excited to have him,” Josh Donaldson mentioned. “I think he has a lot of baseball knowledge that’s gonna help our guys.”
Donaldson added that Casey introduced a number of power and keenness to his first pregame assembly with hitters.
Judge additionally mentioned that he’s wanting ahead to working with Casey. He referred to as Lawson’s firing a “surprise,” whereas Boone described it as a “difficult decision.”
“I don’t really think it was his fault,” DJ LeMahieu mentioned of Lawson. “It wasn’t really anyone’s fault. We just weren’t clicking in the first half offensively.”
Nonetheless, the Yankees felt a change was wanted. It’s notable that Casey has main league taking part in expertise, although Boone mentioned that’s not a “prerequisite.”
“I could learn from some Little Leaguer or something about hitting,” Judge mentioned in settlement. “I can learn from Hall of Famers something about hitting, so it doesn’t matter if you played or not. If you come with a good message and it makes sense to whoever it is, it’s gonna work out.”
Still, Boone believes Casey’s time within the trenches goes to assist him relate.
“He’s been where a lot of these guys have been,” Boone mentioned, “and been through the ups and downs of it all, too.”
LEMAHIEU’S RETURN
LeMahieu, who performed for the Rockies from 2012-2018 earlier than becoming a member of the Yankees, returned to Coors for the primary time on Friday.
Prior to the sport, he spoke to Yankees and Rockies reporters. The versatile infielder mentioned it was “weird” to come back again in a distinct uniform, however Coors stays a “special place” for him.
Fans in the meantime, greeted LeMahieu with a pregame curtain name, a pleasant second for the sometimes reserved veteran.
PITCHING PLANS
Nestor Cortes (rotator cuff) threw two ups on Thursday in Tampa. He will throw to stay hitters on Monday in Anaheim earlier than probably beginning a rehab project after that, in accordance with Boone.
Boone additionally mentioned that the struggling Luis Severino is scheduled to begin the second recreation of the upcoming Angels collection.
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com