Gerrit Cole is seeking divine intervention for the return of Aaron Judge to the field.
NBC’s “Today” show welcomed the Yankees teammates on Monday, where co-host Craig Melvin asked Judge how he can continue to make an impact on the game despite his injury.
“I’m just trying to stay focused and help my teammates,” Judge replied. “If I see someone struggling during a game, I try to offer words of encouragement.”
Judge has been sidelined for the past month due to a toe injury sustained in a game against the Dodgers on June 3.
When asked about his expected return, Judge said, “Hopefully soon. We have the All-Star Game coming up, so hopefully that will give me some extra time to recover.”
In response, Cole jokingly made prayer hands, indicating his prayer for Judge’s speedy return during the All-Star break.
Last week, Judge expressed confidence in his return to the Yankees this season.
“That’s a given, I expect to be back,” Judge stated. “I will do everything in my power to make sure I can contribute.”
However, he did not provide a definitive date for his comeback.
“I can’t make any promises,” Judge continued. “I wish I had an answer.”
Judge, the reigning American League MVP and record-holder for most home runs in a season with 62, currently boasts a batting average of .291 with 19 home runs, 40 RBIs, and a 1.078 OPS this season.
As the Yankees stand at 46-38, they are trailing the Rays by 9.5 games in the AL East.
If the playoffs started today, the Yankees would secure a spot as the third Wild Card team, with a 1.5-game lead over the Blue Jays.
