The Boston Red Sox’s 18-2 streak that has pushed them firmly into the playoff race began with a four-game sweep of the Aaron Judge-less New York Yankees. Boston has firmly established itself in the Wild Card race as the trade deadline approaches and overtaking New York in second place in the American League East is an obvious next target for the surging club.
The Yankees’ latest Judge update suggests the Sox could have every chance to make up the ground they need. The towering captain has since June 2 been on the injured list with a rib fracture. During the All-Star break, he underwent scans to assess his healing progress, which didn’t exactly give the answers the Yankees hoped for.
"Obviously, healing going on, which is good, but still not able to start any baseball activities or anything," manager Aaron Boone said after the Yankees’ July 18 rainout. “He needs to get to a point to where he's asymptomatic to where you really start ramping up more upper-body stuff."
Any healing is obviously a good sign for Judge and the Yankees, but his injury recovery is moving slower than the team initially expected. Boone said the slugger’s progress will be assessed over the next few weeks before New York decides when and how to move forward.
Aaron Judge's continued absence gives Red Sox perfect chance to take second place in AL East
Judge was over the weekend moved to the 60-day IL to create a spot on the 40-man roster for Bradley Hanner, meaning his recovery is expected to last at least a few more weeks, likely longer. Since he’ll be out of action for more than two months, it could take quite a long time for him to ramp up to play again, plus a rehab assignment before he can join the Yankees again.
Judge’s absence continues a golden opportunity for the Red Sox, who have suddenly found themselves offensively. Boston is just 4.5 games back of second place in the AL East after entering its June 25 with a 32-46 record. New York, meanwhile, is 18-20 without Judge in the lineup, falling as the Sox rise.
Starting on July 20, the Red Sox will run into the red-hot Baltimore Orioles, who have won their last seven games. Boston has beaten some fierce competition during its winning streak, including the Yankees, and the first-place Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, but no team has entered those series with the kind of momentum the Orioles currently have. The Red Sox won’t win every game for the rest of the season and their streak is bound to snap soon, but focusing on the bigger picture and their improved chances within the AL East could help them stay hot.
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