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Yankees place Aaron Judge on 10-day injured list due to right hip strain

New York Yankees superstar outfielder Aaron Judge has been placed on the injured list due to a right hip strain, the team announced Monday. He sustained the injury April 27 when he slid into a base during the fourth inning of the Yankees' series-opening 4-2 win over the Texas Rangers. He has not played since.

Judge's placement on the injured list is retroactive to April 28, and he is eligible to be activated as soon as May 8. Outfielder Franchy Cordero was called up as a replacement.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke about the 31-year-old's status Monday before the move was announced.

"I think Aaron's being realistic," Boone said ahead of the team's opener against the Cleveland Guardians. "He understands what's at stake and that it's important. So we're having real conversations. I don't want to close the door on [him] if he's ready to play in a couple days."

Judge's injury is mild but could be exacerbated. He and the Yankees are taking advantage of the timing and playing it safe, as it's early in the season, and hips play a crucial role in a strong swing.

"We don't want to put him in a position to where he goes out and compromises somewhere else and the injury becomes something else or worse," Boone added. "That's the biggest thing."

Without the reigning AL MVP, the Yankees are also missing injured outfielders Harrison Bader and Giancarlo Stanton.

The Yankees were initially hopeful that Judge could avoid the injured list. He is undoubtedly a huge asset to the team, which went on a three-game losing streak without him.

Based on Boone's comments, it seems Judge could still avoid an extended absence. He is hitting .261 with six home runs and 14 RBIs in 26 games so far this season.