New York Yankees Pull Star Outfielder Aaron Judge Against Minnesota Twins Due to Lower Leg Tightness

New York Yankees star right fielder Aaron Judge was removed from Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Twins due to lower right leg tightness, raising new physical concerns for the team during the closing weeks of the regular season. Judge was pulled for a pinch hitter, Heliot Ramos, in the sixth inning of the 5-4 extra-inning loss at Target Field in Minneapolis.

Prior to his exit, Judge went hitless with two strikeouts in his two at-bats against Minnesota starting pitcher Zebby Matthews. His final defensive play came in the fifth inning, when he ran out to the gap to track down a double. Despite making the play, Judge did not outwardly display any visible signs of discomfort or slowness while fielding.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Judge stated that he initially felt the tightness while playing the field during the opening inning. He noted that he chose to play through it initially before deciding to exit as a precaution. "We're still trying to ramp up so there's still going to be little things like this that come up," Judge said, according to ESPN. "I just thought it would be best instead of pushing through it like I normally do."

Judge declined to specify the exact nature of the discomfort and mentioned that he could not pinpoint a precise moment that triggered the issue. He explained that while he attempted to test how the leg would hold up because the late-season games carry significant importance, he ultimately agreed to come out of the game to avoid hindering the team defensively or on the basepaths.

The development comes shortly after Judge returned to the lineup last week following a lengthy absence caused by a broken rib. Since returning from that injury, the three-time American League MVP has gone 4-for-23 at the plate with 13 strikeouts and one extra-base hit over seven games. He had previously been given a planned day of rest on Tuesday.

When asked following Wednesday's game whether he anticipates needing medical testing on his lower leg, Judge indicated it was difficult to say immediately after the final out, though he added that testing is "probably not" necessary.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed the situation postgame, emphasizing the importance of their star player to the club's overall performance. "Obviously he's a key figure to what we do," Boone said. "Hopefully we'll get it treated and knock it out and he'll be a factor at some point."

The timing of the physical concern coincides with a critical juncture in the regular season schedule for New York. The Yankees recently clinched a postseason spot during the series opener in Minnesota on Monday, a game in which Judge hit a home run. However, Wednesday's defeat leaves the Yankees trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by four games for the American League East division lead.

The team has a scheduled off day on Thursday before traveling to begin a road series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. Following that matchup, the Yankees are set to return home to host the Rays in a crucial four-game series beginning Tuesday.