New York Yankees Still Dancing Without ‘Big Toe’

The is little doubt that Aaron Judge is the New York Yankees most valuable player. As actor/comedian Bill Murray described himself to his army troop in the movie "Stripes", Judge is the Yankees' big toe.

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Pinstripes manager Aaron Boone may be without his mega-star for the foreseeable future. Judge told John Heyman of nypost.com on Sunday about his anticipated return, “I can’t make any promises. I wish I had an answer. So does Boone and the rest of the Yankees faithful.

The frustration for the captain is rising. Day after day, people want to know when he'll be back. Judge told the media Sunday, “I just feel bad. You guys are looking for answers. That’s your job. You’re reporting. I’ve got no answers. I’m trying to figure stuff out and get through this thing.” The Yankees are getting by without Judge for several reasons.

The Yankees are still clinging to a Wild Card spot, something Aaron Boone doesn't want to lose sight of. Over the last 10-games, the rest of the teams in the American League East have been about .500. The last place Red Sox have the best record at 6-4. The Bronx Bombers are 4-6. Not terrible. The Pinstripes may have bought some time with big hits in Judge's absence by players like Billy McKinney. However on Sunday, it was the familiar names like, Bader, LeMahieu and Stanton that delivered the offense. That is a formula that Aaron Boone hopes to continue.

Though it all, the Yankees pitching has been outstanding and has basically kept New York in every game. Right-handed starter, Luis Severino was superb on Saturday, pitching 6 shut-out innings for his best start of the year. Latham native and Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle has been spectacular coming out of the bullpen. Kahnle has yet to give up a run this season. The pitching hasn't been the issue. Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman aren't sure when their slugging star will return but they think they have the crutches to keep the Yankees on their feet, while their 'big toe' heals.