Yankees Send 5-Word Aaron Judge Message As Concerns Mount

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 11: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees reacts against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 11, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) Getty Images The New York Yankees lost their second game in a row to the rival Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, and now they’ve gone four straight sets without a series win. Heading into a key matchup with the division leader Tampa Bay Rays, the Yankees are suddenly facing some significant questions after they had appeared to be a clear frontrunner in the American League to open the year.

First and foremost, they are hoping for a strong debut from franchise ace Gerrit Cole on Friday, as he returned to the mound for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery. “There may be no such thing as easing back into big league action for the first time in nearly 19 months,” Greg Joyce wrote for the New York Post . “But it is hard to ignore the fact that Cole’s long-awaited season debut will come Friday night at Yankee Stadium against the Rays, who sit atop the AL East after winning 21 of their past 25 games and swept the Yankees last month at Tropicana Field.

” FORBES | By Peter Chawaga Phillies Skipper Responds To Yankees Scandal After Update From Ex-Teammate New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge Hitting Near-Career Low As Concerns Mount If Cole returns as even a moderate version of his former self, that could give the Yankees a significant boost. It would be another sign that their rotation is ready to propel a deep run into the postseason. But even if one franchise player returns healthy and effective, there are growing concerns around another.

“When Aaron Judge hits in the first inning of Friday night’s Yankees-Rays game at Yankee Stadium, his sinking batting average will be displayed next to his headshot on the center field video board,” Randy Miller wrote for NJ. com . “It’s down to .