KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Aaron Judge had nothing to show for it, but made three loud outs Wednesday night that had those around him thinking he was on the verge of breaking out.
In the Yankees’ 3-2 win over the Royals in Game 3 of the ALDS, Judge went 0-for-4 with a walk to fall to 1-for-11 with three walks in the series.
But the first out was a line drive smoked 114.4 mph into the outstretched glove of shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., and the other two fly ball outs came off the bat at 99.2 mph and 90.2 mph, suggesting that Judge is getting closer to clicking.
“I didn’t get any hits, so it’s not feeling too good,” Judge said. “But we’re right where we need to be.”
Hitting coach James Rowson had said before Game 3 that Judge was in a “good spot,” despite his only hit so far being an infield single, continuing a recent trend of quiet Octobers.
But Judge has the ability to change that with one swing.
“He’s definitely going to do damage,” said Giancarlo Stanton, who delivered the go-ahead home run in the eighth inning. “It’s only a matter of time. He’s had good at-bats, so yeah, it’ll come when we need him most.”
Judge also struck out in the seventh inning on a check swing that he appeared to hold up on, but first base umpire Mark Carlson said he went around.
“His swing was much better,” Alex Verdugo said. “He just missed three balls. He’s in a good spot.”
Unless the Yankees win — or at least get to — the World Series, there will almost certainly be questions from the outside regarding Boone’s job security, since there’s a team option on his contract for next year.
Asked about Boone’s status Wednesday, GM Brian Cashman said Wednesday that Boone has done a “great job” this season.
“We’re certainly happy to have him as our manager,’’ Cashman said before the Yankees’ Game 3 victory. “We’ve got the best record in the American League [and] won the AL East. Now we’ll try to win the postseason and try to climb all the way to the top.”
Speculation regarding Boone’s job has become an annual tradition, especially as the Yankees’ stretch without reaching a World Series has continued.
But there haven’t been any indications Cashman or Hal Steinbrenner have considered a change and the increasing unpredictability of the playoffs may even enforce that theory.
With Hurricane Milton expected to ravage Tampa in the coming days, the Yankees shut down their facilities at their player development complex.
They suspended instructional leagues and moved the minor leaguers and others they want to be ready in case they are needed in the postseason from Tampa up to New York.
Several Yankees players also have homes in the area.
“It’s an uncertain time,’’ Boone said. “You pray for the best and hope for safety.”
For the second time in three games, Cabrera got the start at first base after Jon Berti was tabbed for Game 2 as the Yankees deal with Anthony Rizzo’s absence.
Asked about the decision to go with Cabrera on Wednesday, Boone said, “I don’t know. I have a lot of confidence in Oswaldo. Especially [since] he’s had a really good second half of the season with us.”
Both Cabrera, who was 0-for-1 but drew three walks, and Berti played well defensively.
Boone added of Cabrera that he has “a lot of confidence wherever I put him on the field. I thought he handled himself really well in Game 1.”
As for Rizzo, who remains out with two fractured fingers, Cashman said they haven’t talked about whether Rizzo would be available if the Yankees advance to the ALCS.
