AARON JUDGE CITES LACK OF FOCUS AS YANKEES LOSE SEVENTH STRAIGHT

The New York Yankees have lost seven consecutive games and fallen to second place in the American League East division. Aaron Judge, the team's captain, stated on 1 July that the clubhouse was suffering from a "lack of focus" ahead of the team's loss to the Detroit Tigers. Judge told reporters that players needed to remember their ultimate objective of winning a World Series.

The Yankees have not won a World Series since 2009 and last appeared in the championship in 2024, when Judge and Juan Soto powered the team's offence before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1. Judge, who has played his entire Major League Baseball career with the Yankees since his 2016 debut, has not played since 31 May due to a stress fracture in his ribs. The team faces additional difficulties with several players reported to have food poisoning, which has further affected defensive performance. According to reported defensive metrics, the Yankees have among the worst defensive ratings in the league this season.

Judge indicated his focus remains on capturing a World Series title this year despite his injury and the team's recent struggles. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the impact of illness on the team's defence. Jose Caballero started in centre field on Wednesday and has recorded five defensive runs saved at shortstop during the season.