The New York Yankees universe waited patiently for the 2018 debut of the defending 2017 American League Rookie of the Year, Aaron Judge. After five total games sitting on the bench for precautionary reasons, Judge finally made his debut as a designated hitter on Wednesday, February 28.
In an interview following his outing, Judge mentioned that he "felt great" according to NJ.com. The face of the Yankees also said "It felt like Opening Day. It was a chance to be out with the guys again, get some at-bats, see some pitches. I felt great."
He started the game as the team's designated hitter, and he was slotted in the No.
2 spot in the batting order. Unfortunately, Judge was unable to hit the ball out of the infield during the game. His first at-bat ended in a strikeout during the first inning, and his second at-bat resulted in a groundball out during the third inning.
Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton finally play ball together
Spotted in the outfield before the game started were two towering forces wearing Yankees Spring Training gear. The two goliaths were two of the games most feared power hitters: Aaron Judge and 2017 National League Most Valuable Player Giancarlo Stanton.
Aaron Judge reflects on his first taste of spring training game action in 2018. pic.twitter.com/GShTxZAuCa
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 28, 2018
The moment finally arrived on Wednesday for Yankees fans, as Stanton and Judge were both in the same lineup.
Following the Yankees' December acquisition of Stanton, Judge was excited to play ball with his new teammate. Fast-forward two and half months, and it finally happened.
New Yankees manager Aaron Boone explained in various interviews he plans on rotating Judge and Stanton between designated hitter and right field. Occasionally, Boone may even consider playing both of them in the field.
But one of the two Gold Glove awarded outfielders would have to move outside of there comfort zone to man left field, according to MLB.com's Mike Petriello. Boone also clearly assured first base is not an option for either one of his star right field sluggers, according to NJ.com.
For the first time in the lineup together: @TheJudge44 and @Giancarlo818.
— MLB (@MLB) February 28, 2018
This duo needs a nickname. What you got? pic.twitter.com/njNodVCIF9
Judge will play right field on Friday
While it was great to see Aaron Judge play in a baseball game on Wednesday, he's expected to do more in Friday's game (March 2) against the Atlanta Braves.
Boone confirmed Judge will be manning right field on Friday, and it will be an important test for the recovering Yankees outfielder to pass.
He will likely be okay, as the offseason surgery was done on his left shoulder. However, it's important for management to prepare Judge cautiously for the regular season. Playing in the American League will do Judge wonders because of the designated hitter rule. But the Yankees want to see him take the field because as mentioned before, he's also a valuable Gold Glove fielder.
The all-around young ballplayer for the New York Yankees quickly took over the MLB last year with his transformed Judgian swing. Some even argued he was the early-on pick for the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year.
Because of his rapid rise in popularity, it should be no surprise as to why he is on the cover of baseball's premier video game "MLB The Show 18."
Humbled to be playing with one of baseball's living legends. That doesn't mean I'm going easy on him in @MLBTheShow. #ad https://t.co/hVV8tnHIdS
— Aaron Judge (@TheJudge44) February 27, 2018