, and career — manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the team plans to keep Judge’s long-term health the priority once their playoff chances are officially gone.
“I think it’s important for him right now to be playing and setting the tone [and] to set an example for the young guys we have up,’’ Boone said Friday night. “We’ll … try to keep his best interests and our best interests in mind.” “We’re not out of it,” Judge said of why he hasn’t shut himself down. “I think that’s No. 1. No. 2, you’ve got to play. You’ve got to be out there. It’s about showing up every single day.”
“It does so much for inspiring your teammates and setting an example for younger players — and really for all of us,’’ Cole said. “He’s a leader and he’s showing how to go about your business when you have challenges in front of you.” “One of the things I admire about Aaron, no matter what’s going on, you can’t tell,’’ the manager said. “He’s our captain. Whether we’re riding high or [it’s the] lowest of lows, he’s really good about keeping a neutral mindset all the time.