SAN FRANCISCO - When you’re built like Yankees captain Aaron Judge, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 270 pounds, it’s easy to assume home run power comes naturally. But Judge is more than just a physical powerhouse; he’s a generational talent, combining size with skill to hit for both power and average, boasting a career .292 batting average and a batting title with a .331 average last year.
Judge’s towering frame is both a gift and a challenge. He’s often at the mercy of low pitches being called strikes, not due to any umpire vendetta-Judge is known for his amiable demeanor and rarely disputes calls-but because his height skews the strike zone.
Enter the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, making its regular-season debut this year, which could elevate Judge’s game even further. In Friday’s 3-0 victory over the Giants, Judge put ABS to the test.
A disputed strike call was overturned, setting the stage for a pivotal sixth-inning, two-run homer in a previously scoreless game. This helped the Yankees secure their second consecutive shutout win to start the season, a rare feat in their storied history.
Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger noted, “Judge is so tall and gets rung up on those low strikes. The ABS is going to be good for him. He knows his zone really well, and it showed today.”
The game was a pitcher’s duel through five innings, with Yankees starter Cam Schlittler and Giants lefty Robbie Ray locked in battle. Judge, hitless and struggling with strikeouts, faced a critical moment in the sixth after Paul Goldschmidt’s leadoff double.
Judge’s focus was clear: “With Goldy on second, I just wanted to get a single and drive in a run. I knew Cam and the bullpen could handle the rest.”
Judge’s plate discipline was tested when a borderline low slider was called a strike. Confident in his judgment, Judge challenged the call using ABS, and the pitch was overturned.
This shifted the count to 2-0, setting up a favorable at-bat. Judge didn’t miss his pitch, launching a 405-foot homer to left, putting the Yankees ahead 2-0.
Reflecting on the at-bat, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, “It became a leverage-heavy situation, and Judge delivered a moon shot.”
Schlittler, who had a stellar outing with 5 1/3 innings of one-hit ball, appreciated the support. “Judge’s challenge was huge. It turned a tough game into a win for us.”
Judge plans to use ABS strategically. “I’ll save challenges for high-leverage situations, especially with runners on base. It’s a tool to change the game when it matters.”
The Yankees are now 1-for-2 on challenges this season, with Judge’s successful overturn proving crucial.
As Judge adapts to this new facet of the game, he remains focused on hitting. “It’s weird to challenge, but it’s part of the game now. I’ll use it when it counts.”
Judge’s homer was a game-changer, and he acknowledged the impact of the moment: “Getting those two runs and then G adding another one sealed the win for us.”
With ABS in play, Judge’s ability to challenge calls could be a game-changer all season long, adding another layer to his already formidable presence at the plate.