The New York Yankees news and rumors continue to flow in with the excitement around the high expectations of the Bronx Bombers. The Yankees led the MLB in home runs last season with 142 on the shoulders of Rookie of Year Aaron Judge who hit 52. Perhaps the burden was too heavy for Judge because he is still dealing with injuries this offseason. After leading the majors in homers, the Yankees went out and traded for NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton who slugged 59 home runs in 2017. The Yankees bring a ton of power entering the season, but that isn't scaring new Yankee and quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks from challenging his teammates to a home run contest. Here are the latest news and rumors surrounding the Yankees you need to know:
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Aaron Judge Not Rushing Back
On Thursday morning one player was missing from the Yankees hitting groups, and that player was Judge. On November 21st Judge underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder to clean-up cartilage and is being brought back slowly.
“They told me a couple of days ago they were going to give me a day off before the games started,’’ said Judge, who was limited to tracking pitches.
The New York Post spoke with Yankees hitting coach Marcus Thames and he seemed optimistic that Judge will return to batting practice before Friday’s exhibition opener against the Tigers, however, Judge is unlikely to play in a game until Wednesday.
“He has been ramped up pretty good so that was a built-in day for him,’’ manager Aaron Boone said. “He is doing well and right on schedule to be ready to go in a game next week.’’
It appears the Yankees aren't worried about Judge's health and they feel confident he will get back to hitting .284 with 52 home runs and 114 RBIs just like he did last season.
Russell Wilson Challenges Aaron Judge To Home Run Derby
Seahawks QB Russell Wilson was traded from Texas Rangers to the Yankees in early February. Wilson will be reporting to Yankees Camp on Monday and he seems excited and confident. So confident that Wilson challenged Judge and Giancarlo Stanton to a home run derby.
“Hey New York City, I’m here, I’ve got the Yankees hat on and I’m heading to spring training on Monday,” Wilson said. “I can’t wait to see you guys Feb 26th and have some fun that week. Hey Aaron Judge, I know you want to throw some long passes, so let’s play some ball. We’ll have a little home run derby too."
“Stanton, I’m coming for you too. Let’s have some fun. And hey, let’s go win a World Series. Why not?”
Wilson was a fourth-round selection of MLB's 2010 first-year player draft. He is a career .229 hitter with five home runs and 26 RBIs in 93 games in the minors.
Yankees Lineup Today vs. Detroit Tigers
It's been 125 days since the Yankees played a game and today New York battles the Tigers at 1:05 pm ET. The lineup for the game is below:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, DH
2. Giancarlo Stanton, RF
3. Greg Bird, 1B
4. Aaron Hicks, CF
5. Didi Gregorius, SS
6. Gleyber Torres, 2B
7. Austin Romine, C
8. Miguel Andujar, 3B
9. Clint Frazier, LF
SP: Luis Cessa, RHP
There is a ton of excitement around the Yankees this season, and fans will be glued to screen when Stanton makes his debut in pinstripes today.
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