NEW YORK -- New York Yankees rookie right fielder Aaron Judge is expected to miss the rest of the regular season with a Grade 2 right oblique strain.
"These things usually take a while," said Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, who wouldn't rule out a possible return if the Yankees make a deep run into the playoffs.
The 24-year-old Judge, who is hitting .179 with four homers and 10 RBIs while striking out in half of his 84 at-bats, had an MRI on Wednesday and was placed on the 15-day disabled list.
"He obviously struggled with the strikeouts," Cashman said. "Part of the process was to get him up here and get the growing pains out of the way and speed up the adjustment process."
The Yankees had Rob Refsnyder starting in right field against Los Angeles Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw on Wednesday, and he went 0-for-2 in the team's 2-0 loss. The team called up outfielder Mason Williams from Triple-A. Aaron Hicks, who is on the DL with a hamstring injury, could return to the active roster next Tuesday in Tampa and figures to receive the bulk of the at-bats.
Unlike fellow rookie Gary Sanchez, Judge has not done enough to cement a starting spot for 2017 and will have to fight for his place in right field when spring training begins next February.
"He will have to earn his way on to next year's roster," Cashman said. "There are no absolutes. Without question, he'll be better for the experience."
