Aaron Judge Exits Game With Leg Tightness

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge was removed from Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Twins due to tightness in his lower right leg, casting uncertainty over his availability for the team's postseason push. Judge, a three-time American League MVP, was pulled for pinch-hitter Heliot Ramos in the sixth inning after striking out in both of his at-bats against Minnesota starter Zebby Matthews. The Yankees announced that Judge left with "lower right leg tightness," but did not specify the exact nature of the injury or provide a recovery timeline. This development comes less than 24 hours after Judge hit his first home run since returning from a broken rib injury that sidelined him for months. He had been on the bench Tuesday for planned rest. Judge's removal occurred during a game where the Yankees were trailing 2-0. His last action in the field was in the fifth inning, when he tracked down a double in the gap, showing no immediate signs of discomfort. However, the decision to pull him suggests the team is taking precautions. Since returning from the rib injury last week, Judge has struggled at the plate, going 4 for 26 with 13 strikeouts and one extra-base hit in seven games.