The New York Yankees began their 2024 postseason with a back-and-forth win over the Kansas City Royals in the American League Division Series.
Game 1 had a final score of 6-5 after 5 different lead changes throughout the game.
Even though the Yankees came out with a victory, there might be some worries by Yankees fans regarding Aaron Judge’s 0-4 performance.
According to FOX Sports: MLB on ‘X,’ Alex Rodriguez has a message for Judge going forward this postseason.
"He's got to swing at strikes and do damage. If they don't pitch to you, pass the baton and trust your teammates"@AROD talks about what Aaron Judge needs to do at the plate after his 0-4 day yesterday pic.twitter.com/0CAJhkTxvW
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 6, 2024
Judge had another spectacular regular season in 2024 where he hit .322 with 58 home runs, 144 runs batted in, and a 1.159 on-base plus slugging percentage.
He has had multiple solid regular seasons recently with the Yankees, but his postseason numbers are not as impressive.
In 45 career postseason games, Judge is batting .206 with 13 home runs, 25 runs batted in, and a .758 on-base plus slugging percentage.
Rodriguez points out that Aaron Judge is at his best when he is hitting home runs and walking.
He also says that if they aren’t pitching to him, he should pass the baton by taking a walk and trust that his teammates will come through.
It appears that Judge is pressing to make something happen, and that he is swinging at pitches that he can’t do damage on.
The Yankees have a deep lineup, and there are plenty of players that can do damage if pitchers choose to pitch around Judge.
Judge will look to get things going in the postseason in game 2 that will take place on Monday.
The Yankees are seeking their first World Series title since 2009.
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