A-Rod urges lineup tweak as Aaron Judge’s World Series struggles intensify: ‘It’s getting late early’

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Aaron Judge’s struggles at the plate in the first two games of the World Series have stirred anxiety among Yankees fans, especially as they head into Game 3 down 0-2 against the Dodgers.

Aaron Judge, who has yet to hit a home run in the series, went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Game 2 and holds just a .150 batting average for the postseason, with 19 strikeouts over 40 at-bats. Despite this slump, former Yankees star Alex Rodriguez remains optimistic, suggesting adjustments that could “activate and jumpstart” the Yankees’ Captain.

Alex Rodriguez suggests lineup shake-up to boost Aaron Judge’s performance

Alex Rodriguez, during a recent broadcast, floated the idea of reworking the Yankees’ lineup to boost Judge’s performance. “If I were in the lineup, I’d flip Soto and Judge,” he said. “You try to create matchups and maybe have [Gleyber] Torres protect Judge, putting him in a position to get his timing right.” For Rodriguez, this move could inject new energy into the lineup while challenging the Dodgers’ bullpen matchups. “It’s getting late early,” he added, underscoring the urgency for the Yankees to get Judge back on track.

Aaron Judge reflects on his own struggles

After the loss, Aaron Judge attributed his struggles to an overly aggressive approach, admitting he was “expanding the zone” instead of focusing on pitches within his comfort zone. “I have to step up and do my job,” he stated postgame. “It’s about staying disciplined, not trying to make things happen.” Despite an MVP-worthy season, 2024 has seen Judge battling slumps before, notably in early May when he was hitting just .207. Yet, the stakes now are much higher, and Judge himself acknowledged that October is no time for extended slumps.

Adding insight, teammate Jazz Chisholm Jr. spoke to Aaron Judge’s mental state, describing a bit of “World Series anxiety” affecting the Yankees’ top slugger.

“It’s his first World Series—there’s a little anxious energy out there,” Chisholm noted. Chisholm, who also faced a cold streak earlier, has since come alive, stealing three bases and hitting .333 in the series. He believes Judge will find his stride as the team returns to Yankee Stadium, where familiar territory and a roaring crowd might help him recalibrate.

Meanwhile, Juan Soto, the Yankees’ standout hitter this postseason, continues to demonstrate elite plate discipline and power, slashing .350/.460/1.180. Soto’s take on Judge’s slump was encouraging. “It’s just one at-bat that’ll get him going,” he said, expressing confidence that Judge would turn things around with a single, well-timed swing.

With the Yankees’ lineup struggling, hitting only 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position and leaving 17 men on base through the first two games, the pressure mounts on Aaron Judge and his teammates. As they return to the Bronx, where they will face the Dodgers again in Game 3, the Yankees hope the change in venue will reinvigorate their offense and bring out the Captain’s best. For Judge, it’s about discipline and finding his rhythm—something that has carried him and the Yankees through the season.

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