On Wednesday, the New York Yankees welcomed back their captain, Aaron Judge, in a significant spring training game. After being sidelined for over a week due to an abdominal strain, the former AL MVP made his return to the lineup, showcasing his capabilities.

In his first at-bat, Judge hit a double, driving Juan Soto home from first base. He also drew a walk and scored two runs thanks to Giancarlo Stanton’s homers.  Speaking from the dugout after his three at-bats, Judge expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It felt great. Finally got a chance to get out of the cage and get out there. It was fun being a part of this game tonight. Especially with Stanton doing his thing, everyone in the lineup clicking on all cylinders. It was fun to watch.”

While recovering from his abdominal injury, Judge had been practicing in a batting cage behind the scenes. When asked if he felt any strain during Wednesday’s game, Judge took a moment before confirming that he didn’t. His performance on the field and at the plate served as evidence of his recovery.

Having Judge back in the lineup, whether fully recovered or still on the mend, is a significant boost for the Yankees. Last season, the captain missed nearly 80 games due to a toe injury sustained from crashing into an outfield wall in Los Angeles. This injury not only hampered his chances of consecutive MVP awards but also affected the Yankees’ offensive output as they struggled to score runs without their star player.

With the addition of Soto and other key pieces, the Yankees are poised to make a deeper run this season with an improved offense that doesn’t solely rely on Judge’s contributions.

Wednesday’s game provided a glimpse into the potential of the Yankees’ offense in 2024. They scored 12 runs on 14 hits, highlighted by Stanton’s three home runs. Judge believes the team is ready for the upcoming season.