MLB reporters defend Aaron Judge over odd glances during at-bat
A host of MLB reporters have come to the defense of Aaron Judge following Monday night's bizarre scene where he was caught on camera glancing away from the pitcher immediately before hitting a home run.
During the at-bat in question, Toronto Blue Jays announcers Buck Martinez and Dan Shulman noted that on multiple occasions, the New York Yankees slugger briefly looked to his right while in the batter's box, waiting for the pitch to be thrown. After the second side glance, Judge crushed a solo home run to center field (his second of the game) to extend his team's lead to 7-0.
When asked about the side glances following the game, Judge told reporters that the Yankees' dugout was "chirping" after manager Aaron Boone's ejection from earlier in his at-bat.
"A lot of chirping from our dugout, which I really didn’t like in the situation where it’s a 6-0 game. I know [Aaron Boone] got tossed. I was kind of trying to see who was chirping in the dugout. It’s 6-0. Boonie got tossed. It’s 6-0. Let’s go to work now," the 2022 AL MVP said.
ESPN's Buster Olney and Yahoo Sports' Hannah Keyser pointed out that even if Judge was doing what Martinez and Shulman were hinting at, it wouldn't be illegal.
Despite missing over one week of games in late April and early May due to a hip injury, Judge is still tied for second in the American League with his 10 home runs.
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