Aaron Judge Removed With Leg Tightness

Aaron Judge was removed in the sixth inning of the Yankees’ game against the Minnesota Twins after an awkward check swing, with Heliot Ramos replacing him. The Yankees said Judge was experiencing lower-right-leg tightness, not a recurrence of the fractured rib that sidelined him for more than three months. Judge was 0-for-2 with two strikeouts and appeared uncomfortable, prompting the team to act cautiously to protect his postseason availability. He was expected to undergo further evaluation, potentially including imaging, with more clarity anticipated before Friday’s game against Arizona. The issue was concerning because Judge had only recently returned from the injured list, though there was no indication it would require an extended absence.