Aaron Judge Launches First Home Run at 2026 Yankee Stadium Home Opener NEW YORK — Aaron Judge’s first at-bat at the newly renovated Yankee Stadium in 2026 was a moment of historic significance, as the Yankees’ star slugger hit a towering home run to left field in the first inning of their home opener. The blast, which marked Judge’s third home run of the season, helped propel the Yankees to an 8-2 victory over the Miami Marlins, continuing their strong start to the year. The game, which drew a packed crowd to the iconic ballpark, was highlighted by Judge’s leadership and the team’s collective energy, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive season. Judge’s home run came after the Yankees were down a run early in the game. He capitalized on a slider from Marlins pitcher Eury Pérez, sending the ball soaring into the left-field seats. The home run not only gave the Yankees a lead but also energized the team, as they went on to dominate the rest of the game. “That’s Cap again, setting the tone,” said Ben Rice, who contributed with a home run and three RBIs. “Everybody was fired up and happy to continue that momentum out on the field.” The Yankees’ performance in the game was a testament to their balanced approach, combining dominant pitching with timely hitting. Starter Will Warren, making his first start of the season, pitched effectively over 5 2/3 innings, allowing only two solo home runs while striking out six batters. Warren’s ability to limit damage, despite the Marlins’ power, was a key factor in the Yankees’ success. “Solo homers aren’t going to beat us,” Warren said. “If we attack early, the odds are in our favor.” The Yankees’ pitching staff as a whole has been impressive, allowing just two runs or fewer in each of their first seven games.#miami_marlins #aaron_judge #yankees #will_warren #ben_rice
Yankees Leave Luis Gil Out of Opening Rotation, Consider Minor League Placement The New York Yankees have decided not to include Luis Gil in their starting rotation for the opening of the 2025 season, leaving the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year without a guaranteed role in the majors. The team announced on Sunday that their initial four-man rotation will consist of Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers. This decision was made to accommodate the Yankees’ schedule, which includes four off days within the first 13 games of the season. Gil, who was selected as the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year, now faces uncertainty about his place on the 26-man roster. Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake acknowledged the frustration of not having Gil in the rotation but emphasized the team’s need to balance the schedule and maintain rhythm for both the bullpen and starting pitchers. “He’d like to be a starter with us, so frustrating,” Blake said, according to MLB.com. “But at the same time, he understands the position we’re in with the way the schedule lines up for the first two weeks in particular.” Manager Aaron Boone suggested that the minors might be the best option for Gil to stay on a starting pitcher’s routine, allowing him to regain his rhythm before potentially rejoining the rotation. “We’re working through that—do we want him to start a couple [in the minors] and then pop him in the rotation?” Boone said, per the New York Post. “Is there an avenue to do it a different way? That’s what we’re working through still.” The Yankees’ season opener is set for Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants. After the initial 13-game stretch, the team will play 13 games in 13 days from April 7 to April 19, which will likely be Gil’s first opportunity to rejoin the rotation.#yankees #luis_gil #max_fried #cam_schlittler #will_warren
