Yankees Use Judge’s Signals for Rice’s HR Against Scherzer and Blue Jays

Aaron Judge proved his worth for the New York Yankees, even before showing off his glove. The player alerted about Max Scherzer’s pitching signals, which proved crucial in the 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. From second base, Judge extended his arms twice, anticipating Scherzer’s changes in speed in the first inning, after receiving a signal from Cody Bellinger, who was on first base. Ben Rice, of the Blue Jays, extended his at-bat with a long foul ball, and then hit a three-run home run with a fastball.

They’re good at that. Max has to get a little better. It was obvious on the velocity changes, Rice missed one, foul home run, and it’s fair play.

John Schneider, Toronto Manager

In his second game in right field since injuring his arm in late July, Judge made a spectacular catch on a fly ball by George Springer, preventing a runner from advancing to second base in the fourth inning. The Yankees earned their eleventh win in 14 games and moved within two games of the Blue Jays, leaders of the American League East Division. Scherzer admitted that opponents had detected his signals from first base.

I thought I had it figured out. I thought I had made the necessary adjustments to put the glove in front of my face, but it’s clear I didn’t.

Max Scherzer

Bellinger confirmed that he was the one who told Judge to alert Rice.

That is correct. That is what was happening.

Cody Bellinger

Judge returned to right field on Friday night, for the first time since July 25, three days after injuring the flexor tendon in his right elbow during a throw in Toronto. The outfielder made a soft throw of 67.9 mph to second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., on Nathan Luke’s two-run single in the first inning of the series. Judge served as the designated hitter on Saturday and returned to right field for the end of the series. Springer’s fly ball was one of six balls hit towards Judge, who made a 70.7 mph throw to second base on Ernie Clement’s double and didn’t attempt to throw home on Lukes’ sacrifice fly in the second inning. Springer’s hit seemed like it was going to fall between Judge and the right field line before the 6-foot-7-inch outfielder made the catch.

It seemed like he got off to a good start and just made a high-quality play, obviously at an important moment there.

Aaron Boone, Manager

Bellinger also praised Judge’s defensive play.