Judge exits with lower leg tightness in 13-inning loss to Twins, September 16

Aaron Judge was removed for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Twins due to tightness in his lower right leg, according to MLB.com. The Yankees lost the game 5-4 in 13 innings.

Judge first felt the tightness during the first inning and decided to remove himself from the game in the sixth to avoid costing the team, per MLB.com. The timing adds a layer of concern: Judge returned from the injured list on September 8 after missing more than three months with a rib fracture, and the leg tightness emerges as the Yankees enter a critical stretch run with less than two weeks remaining in the regular season.

Judge struck out in each of his first two at-bats against Twins starter Zebby Matthews before exiting. Video appeared to show Judge wincing during one of his swings, according to MLB.com. Heliot Ramos pinch-hit for Judge and also struck out against Matthews, who allowed six scoreless innings while fanning eight.

In his return debut on September 8, Judge played only seven innings; the following night he played only eight innings. On Monday, he launched a home run into the third deck during the Yankees' 8-3 win, signaling his readiness for a full workload. Judge stated he does not anticipate undergoing further testing for the leg tightness, per MLB.com.

The front office is expected to tread lightly with Judge heading into the series against the Diamondbacks, according to MLB.com. The injury, though described as precautionary in Judge's own account, follows a lengthy absence and arrives as the Yankees navigate the final phase of their season.