THE YANKEES NEED TO FIGHT THROUGH ANOTHER INJURY PLAGUED SEASON

Last night Aaron Judge left the second game of a doubleheader against the Braves due to a right calf issue. 

“We are waiting on the results but it seems like a recurrence of what he had before. Pretty much the same spot and everything,’’ Aaron Boone said Thursday on WFAN. “It does seem minor in nature again, but it is something that could turn into an IL stint again. It tightened up on him, which was a little bit similar to before. I think he understands, hopefully minor, but a setback. I think he is obviously frustrated.’’

Even though the Yankees' star is struggling with an injury-plagued season, there is some positive news about DJ LeMahieu that could mean him getting off the IL soon. 

“DJ hit on the field live [Thursday] with Giancarlo [Stanton] and DJ is going to get some at-bats [Friday] in Scranton and be back this weekend,’’ Boone said of LeMahieu.

Another positive note regarding Judge's injury is that after he was removed on Aug. 11, the team won five games straight with him out as well as Stanton, LeMahieu, and Gleyber Torres. The team can still do it without their best guys. However, it would be great to see our guys really step up the plate and go above and beyond during this tough time. 

Gary Sanchez is hitting .139 in 23 games. Five of his 10 hits have been homers though, meaning when he does hit it usually ends up being worth it. In 21 games this season, Brett Gardner is hitting .172 with a .290 on-base percentage, 52 points below his regular-season career average. Aaron Hicks is hitting .192 in 23 games with two home runs and 15 strikeouts. 

The Yankees really need to start hitting like we know they can, especially during the Subway Series this weekend, and especially with the plague of injuries that is once again haunting this team. 

--Missy O'Rourke

BYB Contributor

Twitter: @missy_orourke