Sun Sentinel Broward Edition

Judge has tooth fixed, back in lineup

- Associated Press

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge was back in the starting lineup Friday night, a day after he accidental­ly lost half of his front left tooth during a home-plate celebratio­n.

“I’m all good,” fixed.”

The American League home run leader sawa dentist earlier in the day and got a temporary replacemen­t. Later, he’ll go back for a permanent piece.

On Thursday night, Judgewas jarred when Brett Gardner’s batting helmet accidental­ly popped him in the mouth. Gardner hit a he said. “Got it winning home run in the bottom of the 11th inning and tossed his helmet as he approached the plate.

Judge picked up the helmet because hewasworri­edsomeone might step on it and roll an ankle. Instead, he got hit by the helmet during all the jostling.

“(It) got me pretty Judge said.

The 6-foot-7 Judge tried to scoot off the field without anyone noticing while the Yankees were still celebratin­g their 6-5 win. No luck escaping without being spotted with a grimace.

Therewasno­luck eitherwhen a member of the team’s security good,” staff went back on the field after it cleared, searching for the cracked tooth.

“Last night I had to sit and stare at that all night,” Judge said.

Already gap-toothed before the accident, Judge didn’t feel much like documentin­g his new look. He said he took one picture of himself, which he put away for safekeepin­g — and managed to keep off social media.

“Obviously we’re very relieved,” manager Joe Girardi said. “I’m sure it was a somewhat uncomforta­ble night for him.

“I’m sure the ribbing will continue for a number of days. This will not stop after (Friday).”

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