New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge out with lower body tightness

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/12/20

A day after the New York Yankees confirmed that slugger Giancarlo Stanton could miss up to a month with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, manager Aaron Boone explained that outfielder Aaron Judge was left out of the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Atlanta Braves at Yankee Stadium because of "lower body tightness" that may be resolved by the weekend.

Aaron Boone said that Aaron Judge is getting treatment and is dealing with “lower body tightness.” He wanted to play but Boone decided not to put him in the lineup.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) August 12, 2020

Asked to elaborate on “lower body tightness,” Boone mentioned hips, hamstrings and calves.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) August 12, 2020

It's unknown if Judge will be available when the Yankees host hated rivals the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

Asked if he expects Aaron Judge to play Friday vs. Boston, Aaron Boone said: “I hope so, but that’s a long way from now.”
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) August 12, 2020

Judge battled through noteworthy injuries in 2018 and 2019 but has been a Most Valuable Player candidate during the opening quarter of the pandemic-shortened, 60-game season. The 28-year-old crushed his ninth home run of the year on Tuesday, and he's batting .290 with 20 RBI and a 1.101 OPS.