Aaron Judge emerges as the lone Yankees player on the All-Star Game ballot in the first voting update.
With less than a month to go until the 93rd edition of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the voting stage to determine the starters is well underway. The league has released its first update on the leaders at each position, and it is no surprise that New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge is currently projected to start in the outfield. Let’s take a closer look at Judge’s outstanding performance.
Aaron Judge’s dominance in MLB
Despite missing some games due to a minor hip injury in late April and early May and currently dealing with a sprained toe, Aaron Judge has been a force to be reckoned with. In just 49 games, he leads the American League (AL) in several offensive categories, including 19 home runs, a .674 slugging percentage, a 1.078 OPS, and a 193 OPS+. Judge’s stellar performance has earned him the top spot among all AL outfielders with an impressive 844,965 votes.
Thus, the Yankees had been the best team in the league in May. However, things have been challenging with him, as the team has struggled to win in MLB since he got injured. The group recently suffered terrible defeats against the White Sox and the Boston Red Sox.
Uncertain start at the midsummer classic
Although Judge is leading the AL outfielders in votes, it remains uncertain whether he will start at the All-Star Game in Seattle due to his recent injury. His vote count, however, positions him favorably for the honor. Unlike last year, Judge might not receive an automatic entry into Phase 1 voting. Shohei Ohtani, the 2021 AL MVP, and two-way sensation, has garnered 924,182 votes as a designated hitter.
What’s next?
While Judge shines among the Yankees, the team’s other players have yet to be standouts lately, resulting in lower positions in the voting.
As the voting period progresses, baseball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the final roster announcement for the All-Star Game. More updates are expected to follow as the voting results continue to unfold. Fans must stay tuned for the exciting event to see if Aaron Judge and any other Yankees players secure their spots in the starting lineup or as reserves for the Midsummer Classic.
Aaron Judge’s exceptional performance has positioned him as the leading vote-getter for the upcoming All-Star Game. Despite his recent injury, Judge’s offensive prowess has made him a formidable candidate. Other Yankees players have enjoyed a different level of success in the voting phases. Baseball fans eagerly await the final roster announcement to see which players will represent their teams.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
AJ is an All Star in many ways not MLB related. Our prayers are with him for a complete and rapid recovery. Should he return at full prowess, he must continue to give his all w/o trepidation.