SEATTLE -- They won't be noted in any box scores, but the home run balls that Aaron Judge sent rattling around Safeco Field's outfield on Friday afternoon carried huge importance for the Yankees.
Judge participated in on-field drills for the first time since his July 26 injury, hitting off a tee before cracking underhand tosses from hitting coach Marcus Thames, who stood behind a net about 25 feet away from the slugger. Judge hit balls to center field and right field.
"This is what we've been waiting for this whole time, for that pain to get out of there, for him to be able to really swing," manager Aaron Boone said.