BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 11: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees reacts against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 11, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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The New York Yankees lost their second game in a row to the rival Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, and now they’ve gone four straight sets without a series win.
Heading into a key matchup with the division leader Tampa Bay Rays, the Yankees are suddenly facing some significant questions after they had appeared to be a clear frontrunner in the American League to open the year.
First and foremost, they are hoping for a strong debut from franchise ace Gerrit Cole on Friday, as he returned to the mound for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery.
“There may be no such thing as easing back into big league action for the first time in nearly 19 months,” Greg Joyce wrote for the New York Post. “But it is hard to ignore the fact that Cole’s long-awaited season debut will come Friday night at Yankee Stadium against the Rays, who sit atop the AL East after winning 21 of their past 25 games and swept the Yankees last month at Tropicana Field.”
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If Cole returns as even a moderate version of his former self, that could give the Yankees a significant boost. It would be another sign that their rotation is ready to propel a deep run into the postseason.
But even if one franchise player returns healthy and effective, there are growing concerns around another.
“When Aaron Judge hits in the first inning of Friday night’s Yankees-Rays game at Yankee Stadium, his sinking batting average will be displayed next to his headshot on the center field video board,” Randy Miller wrote for NJ.com. “It’s down to .250 after a hitless Thursday night in the Yankees’ 2-0 loss to the Blue Jays.”
Of course, a .250 batting average is actually a few points higher than the big-league average. But by Judge’s standards, it is a reason for concern. Last year, he batted .331 en route to his third-career MVP Award. A .250 average would be the lowest mark of his career since his rookie season.
“Well, I’m not doing nothing at the plate,” Judge said in response to his ongoing slump, according to Miller.
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“Some fastballs got on him,” Boone explained, per Miller, noting a very rare performance when Judge was fooled by the high-velocity offerings from opposing pitchers. “He’s a little out in front of some other pitches. Usually anytime a hitter goes through it a little bit, it’s a little timing related.”
By explaining Judge’s slump as being timing related, Boone attempted to dismiss any larger concerns about the franchise slugger. But as the Yankees look to recapture their offensive momentum against a rival running away with the division, they’ll have to hope the reigning MVP can solve that problem quickly.
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