New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Tuesday that star slugger Aaron Judge has been playing through shoulder soreness, per The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty.
The level of discomfort has been described as “nagging,” but it advanced over the weekend. Judge has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in his ribs on the right side and is feeling it in his shoulder.
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The issue was discovered from imaging, and Judge is expected to meet with a doctor Tuesday night.
New York’s star outfielder last played on Sunday. He is still mashing the ball, with 17 home runs through 59 games. But while his power numbers are there, Judge is batting just .248, which would be the lowest average in a full season in his career if the season ended today.
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Judge is out of the lineup for the Yankees’ game Tuesday at home against the Cleveland Guardians. He is expected to meet with doctors to determine a recovery timeline. There is hope, per Boone, that it will be a day-to-day situation rather than a stint on the 10-day injured list.
With Judge sidelined, the Yankees are turning to José Caballero to take over right field. He is a versatile utility player who typically plays infield but can fill in for Judge in the short term.
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Caballero has played in 49 games this season. He is slashing .263/.318/.388 with four home runs and 15 RBI.
If Judge ends up needing to go to the IL, New York could look at calling up Spencer Jones again or could go with Caballero until Jasson Domínguez is ready to return from his IL stint.