Ohtani Surprises with Friday Return to Mound as Judge Reclaims Outfield for Crucial Yankees-Blue Jays Series
Major League Baseball fans were treated to significant updates regarding two of the league’s brightest stars, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, just in time for an action-packed weekend.
Kyle Finnegan Lands on Injured List
In a notable development, the Detroit Tigers announced that relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan will be sidelined for at least 15 days due to an adductor strain. This injury, retroactive to September 1, comes at a critical juncture as the Tigers aim to solidify their position in the playoff race. Finnegan, who has been a key asset since joining the team midseason, currently ranks 12th in MLB with 24 saves and has not allowed an earned run in 14.1 innings over 12 appearances. With the Tigers boasting the second-best record in the American League and a comfortable 9.5-game lead over the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central, the hope is that this brief hiatus will allow Finnegan to regain his form for the postseason push.
Aaron Judge Returns to the Outfield
After a prolonged absence from the outfield due to an elbow injury, Aaron Judge is set to make his return to right field for the New York Yankees. The last time he patrolled the outfield was on July 26, before he was sidelined and confined to designated hitting duties. Manager Aaron Boone had previously hinted at concerns about Judge’s capability to return to outfield play this season, but the news of his comeback comes at a crucial time. The Yankees are gearing up for a vital three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays, where they find themselves three games behind in the AL East race. Judge’s defensive prowess is a welcome boost for the Yankees, who have relied on Giancarlo Stanton in the outfield during Judge’s absence. With Judge back in the field, Boone can now exercise greater flexibility in his lineup at a pivotal moment in the season.
Tyler Glasnow Scratched, Shohei Ohtani to Start
In a surprising twist, Shohei Ohtani will take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, stepping in for Tyler Glasnow, who was scratched from his scheduled start without a clear explanation from the team. Ohtani had recently missed a start due to an illness that affected his pitching preparation, though he continued to contribute offensively during that time. His return to the mound is a relief for the Dodgers, who are eager to see their superstar back in action. However, the absence of another pitcher in the same week raises concerns about the health and availability of their rotation as the season heads into its final stretch.
As the weekend unfolds, these updates set the stage for an exciting series of matchups that could have significant implications for playoff standings and team dynamics across MLB.
