On Tuesday night, the Yankees held their breath as they awaited updates on Aaron Judge’s injury, sustained when he was hit by a pitch during their game against the Baltimore Orioles. The news was ultimately encouraging.

In the third inning of New York's 5-2 win over the Orioles, Judge was struck on his left hand and forced to exit the game. However, post-game CT scans and X-rays revealed no fractures, easing fears about a potentially serious injury.

Though the Yankees celebrated their series-opening victory, the focus quickly shifted to Judge’s condition. The slugger, who leads the Major Leagues with 26 home runs, 64 RBIs, a .687 slugging percentage, and a 1.115 OPS, is experiencing swelling in his hand and pinkie but remains able to grip a bat.

Judge’s immediate reaction was one of visible pain—he dropped his bat, clutched his hand, and winced as he made his way out of the batter's box toward the pitcher's mound. Yankees’ trainers met him at first base after he limped across the infield, offering an initial evaluation. 

While the injury’s impact remains to be seen, the absence of fractures is a significant relief for both Judge and the Yankees, who are hopeful for a swift return of their star player.

After much deliberation, Aaron Judge chose to remain in the game following his injury. He managed to finish the inning and even scored on an RBI single by Giancarlo Stanton, extending the Yankees' lead to 2-0. However, Judge immediately headed down the tunnel to the clubhouse upon returning to the dugout.

The same day Judge was hurt, the Yankees also placed first baseman Anthony Rizzo on the injured list with a fractured right forearm, sustained during Sunday’s series finale against the Boston Red Sox. Rizzo is expected to be out for approximately two months.

Judge wasn’t the only Yankee who took a hit; in the fifth inning, Orioles reliever Keegan Akin struck Gleyber Torres with a 94-mph fastball, also targeting his hand. The Yankees expressed frustration as they faced injuries to two key players within a span of three innings.

With the series now concluded, the focus shifts to hopeful recoveries for both Judge and Rizzo.