Key keywords: Aaron Judge injury update, thoracic outlet specialist, New York Yankees MVP, 2024 MLB season, thoracic outlet syndrome, Judge test results, AL MVP health status, Yankees lineup impact, MLB injury news The New York Yankees confirmed on Wednesday that 2022 American League MVP Aaron Judge will have his recent diagnostic test results reviewed by a top thoracic outlet specialist, after the star right fielder left Monday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays with persistent shoulder pain and numbness in his throwing arm. Judge sustained the injury during a headfirst slide into second base in the 7th inning of Monday’s matchup. He was pulled from the game immediately after reporting discomfort, and underwent X-rays and an MRI on Tuesday that showed no structural damage to his shoulder, rotator cuff, or labrum, per the Yankees’ medical team. However, the lingering numbness and reduced range of motion in his upper arm led team physicians to flag potential thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), a condition caused by compression of the nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib. TOS is relatively common among baseball players, particularly pitchers and power hitters who put repeated stress on their upper torso and shoulder girdle. Left untreated, it can cause chronic pain, reduced strength, and even long-term nerve damage that could end a player’s season, or in severe cases, impact their career trajectory. The specialist set to review Judge’s scans is Dr. Gregory Pearl, a nationally recognized expert in thoracic outlet conditions who has treated dozens of MLB players over the past 15 years, including several high-profile pitchers who returned to full strength after non-surgical treatment. The timing of the injury comes as the Yankees hold a narrow 2.5-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East standings, with Judge carrying the team’s offense for much of the first half of the 2024 season. Through 76 games this year, Judge has posted a .292 batting average, 23 home runs, 62 runs batted in, and an OPS of 1.024, ranking in the top 5 in the American League in all three power categories. Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s game that the team will not set a timeline for Judge’s return until they receive the specialist’s full report. “We’re being as cautious as we can with Aaron, obviously. He’s the most important piece of our team, and we’re not going to risk his long-term health for a few regular season wins,” Boone said. “We’re hoping for the best, but we’re prepared for every scenario, whether that means a short IL stint with rest and physical therapy, or a longer absence if more aggressive treatment is needed.” Fans and analysts alike have expressed concern over the injury, especially after Judge missed 42 games last season with a torn ligament in his big toe, a stretch where the Yankees went just 21-21 without their star hitter in the lineup. The team is expected to announce the specialist’s findings by Friday afternoon, with a corresponding roster move expected if Judge is placed on the injured list.