Judge plans to 'keep staying aggressive' amid slow start
New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge isn't planning to change his approach despite a slow start at the plate in 2024.
"When I’m getting my pitch, just missing it," Judge said Tuesday, according to The Athletic's Brendan Kuty. "We’ve got to keep throwing out good at-bats, take my walks when I can when I don’t get anything and keep staying aggressive. That’s the only way to get out there and put some hits, especially with our lineup, is you’ve just got to keep swinging."
Judge is hitting .178 through the season's first 18 games with three home runs and nine RBIs. The 31-year-old is still showcasing good plate discipline with a career-best 19.3% walk rate and 22.9% strikeout rate.
Judge is struggling to do damage against fastballs this season, hitting .217 with a .348 slugging percentage against that pitch. He hit .349 with a .792 slugging percentage against four-seam fastballs in 2023.
"Just not dominating probably the heater like he normally does," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "Again, he’s going to get it, and buckle up."