MINNEAPOLIS — New York Yankees star right fielder Aaron Judge was removed for a pinch hitter in the sixth inning Wednesday after reporting tightness in his lower right leg.
Judge, who had been rested on Tuesday, struck out in both his at‑bats against Minnesota starter Zebby Matthews before being replaced by pinch hitter Heliot Ramos. Judge had sprinted to the gap to chase a double in the fifth inning—his final defensive play—but displayed no obvious signs of discomfort or sluggishness.
The three‑time American League MVP is hitting 4 for 26 with 13 strikeouts and one extra‑base hit over seven games since his return last week following a broken rib.
Judge launched a home run in Monday’s series opener at Minnesota, helping the Yankees secure a playoff berth. Entering Wednesday’s game, New York trailed AL East leader Tampa Bay by three and a half games.