Aaron Judge Returns to Standing Ovation at Yankee Stadium But Gets Pulled Early: ‘Not Happy’

New York fans welcomed Aaron Judge back from the injured list with a standing ovation ahead of his first at-bat in three months at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, September 8.

“That’s why they’re the best fans in the world, so I was just trying to put a show on for them and come out with a win,” the 34-year-old, who was playing his first game since being sidelined for a fractured rib in May, told reporters, via MLB, after the game against the Colorado Rockies.

The New York Yankees right-fielder, who injured his rib after diving to catch a pop fly on April 26, per the outlet, said he “wanted to come back a few months ago” but was not given the go-ahead by trainers.

“I feel great, I played half a game so I don’t know what to say about that,” Judge added of manager Aaron Boone‘s decision to replace him with Heliot Ramos following a long conversation on the dugout steps after the 6th inning.

“I respect Boone, so whatever he says, I’m going to do. I’m not happy about it,” the eight-time All-Star added.

“I thought he looked really good. I thought he looked very, like, ‘Judge-y,'” Boone praised, but added that he didn’t want to risk a reinjury.

“The competitor in him wants to be out there, and I get that. Because he’s done a lot of work to prepare to be ready to play, and I know in his mind he feels he is very much ready to play and go the distance,” Boone said. “But it’s my job to be smart here, especially these first several games here.”

Ramos ended up hitting a three-run homer, clinching the Yankees’ 5-3 win over the Rockies.