Judge has been a shell of his regular-season self in the opening two games of New York’s ALDS vs. Cleveland. On Friday, Judge was stuck with the much-maligned golden sombrero, whiffing four times against the Guardians.
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It was the latest in a series of abysmal playoff showings against Cleveland by Judge: the outfielder now has four, four-strikeout game in his playoff career, all against Cleveland. He grounded out in his final at-bat to finish 0 for 5 in a Yankees loss.
It was an unfortunate showcase for Judge, who heard a smattering of boos in his later at-bats Friday.
Judge appeared unbothered, telling reporters it’s simply a part of being a Bronx Bomber.
Nonetheless, Judge’s postseason numbers don’t make for pretty viewing. Through 37 playoff games, Judge is batting .217 with a .327 OBP, although he has hit 11 home runs.
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Many of those difficulties have come against the Cleveland franchise. Twenty-seven of Judge’s 58 career playoff strikeouts have been racked up vs. the club’s pitchers.
For all of Judge’s postseason wobbles against Cleveland, Yanks manager Aaron Boone said that he wasn’t too concerned with Judge’s approach at the plate.
“They neutralized him here these first two days, pitched him really tough,” Boone said. “But he’ll get back on the horse and be as dangerous as they come (Saturday) night.”
