Aaron Judge shows signs he’s ‘close’ to breaking out of lengthy slump

It’s at least a start. 

Aaron Judge began to show signs he’s ready to bust out of his season-long funk Tuesday night. 

The slugging outfielder doubled and squared up a few other balls in the Yankees’ 4-3 win over the A’s, perhaps an indication the former MVP is primed to start to resemble the player the Yankees have come to expect. 

“It’s good to see him kind of get into one,” manager Aaron Boone said as the Yankees improved to 3-2 on this seven-game homestand. “Cold night tonight, wind blowing around. Good to see him shoot one the other way like that to right-center where [Esteury] Ruiz made a pretty play on him. He’s always close. Good to see him definitely get some results, get on base a couple of times. Matter of time.” 

Aaron Judge (99) hits a double in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

Judge entered the contest in a major slump, sporting a .174 batting average with 18 strikeouts in his past eight games.

His previous extra-base hit came on April 14.

But he looked more comfortable at the plate Tuesday and now has his safely in four of his past six games.

Aaron Judge helped the Yankees in a big first inning. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

This was the first time he hasn’t struck out since April 13. 

He had a major role in the Yankees’ four-run first inning, doubling down the left-field line.

He then scored along with Juan Soto on a Giancarlo Stanton double.

Judge has battled through a slump to start the season. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

He lined out to right field in the third and flew out to the fence in right-center field in the fifth.

The ball came off his bat at 104 mph and traveled 393 feet. 

Obviously, the Yankees need Judge at his best.

The offense had been a major problem of late, shut out twice in the first four games of the homestand.

Too much has been put on Soto’s shoulders.

Judge finding his stroke would alleviate many issues. 

“He’s had great at-bats throughout the season, getting deep into counts and getting on base,” Stanton said. “It’s only a matter of time before he is squaring balls up like tonight.” 

The Yankees can only hope Judge can take off from here.