Judge steps up and takes batting practice with Losica as a pitcher

New York – Gunboat Aaron Judge The Nicaraguan right-hander took part in batting practice on Sunday Jonathan Loisica As their pitcher, first batting for the captain with fast pitches from June 3.

Both Loisica and Judge received positive reviews from a live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium. Judge saw 16 pitches, fouling five of them; Although he didn’t play a single ball against the right-hander, it didn’t do his injured right thumb any favors.

“He’s trying to recover and come back quick, and I’m a sinker pitcher, so I don’t want to make mistakes. All the pitches were outside,” Losica said. “When you consider how long it’s been since he’s seen live pitches in that environment, I honestly think it was pretty good.”

Yankees manager Aaron Boone was among the group watching batting practice live at an empty Yankee Stadium. Gerrit Cole and Clark Schmidt were in the dugout, and Royals pitcher Jose Guas brought his young son, Jose III.

“Definitely facing Johnny Lowe is a big test for Aaron,” Boone said. “It’s a great day for everyone.”

What Judge’s next step is has yet to be decided, but Boone said it will involve more batting practice under simulated conditions.

Earlier this week, Judge said he expected the discomfort to linger when he returned to action.

“The pain won’t go away completely, but we’ll try to get through it enough,” said Judge, who may need surgery after the season.

Boone said he’s “optimistic” about Judge’s progress, but said they haven’t yet begun discussions about whether the slugger needs a minor league rehab stint.

Judge resumed baseball action in Oakland on June 28, freeing his arm for the first time since surgery. He received a second injection of platelet-rich plasma on June 15 to relieve discomfort in a tendon in his big toe. On June 24, the judge referred to his injury as a torn ligament, the first time he had publicly mentioned such a diagnosis.

“I faced him in spring training and last year before the playoffs,” Losica said. “It’s exciting to face him. He’s one of the best hitters in the world.

Sunday’s session also represented progress for Loisica, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on May 2 to remove bone spurs from her elbow. The right-hander mixed up his slider, changeup, sinker and four-seamer for Judge.

“It was very exciting to see material and command-wise,” Boone said. “He looked like Lowe in the playoffs.”

Losica gave up one run and two hits (2.70 EFE) in 3.1 innings in three appearances in April. The right-hander is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Saturday.

“I’m looking forward to coming back and helping the team,” Losica said.