The New York Yankees solidified their narrow lead atop the AL East on Wednesday by completing a three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals, edging out the Toronto Blue Jays by half a game. The pivotal contest featured a standout moment from team captain Aaron Judge, whose crucial home run proved decisive, while outfielder Cody Bellinger drew attention for his defensive heroics—and for his praise of Judge’s performance.

Aaron Judge’s offensive impact has been vital for a Yankees squad facing considerable uncertainty in its starting rotation. The team is currently without ace Gerrit Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery and is expected to miss the entire season. Additionally, Luis Gil is sidelined for several months with a significant dorsal strain.

The game’s turning point arrived in the seventh inning with the score tied at 3–3. That’s when Aaron Judge, the reigning American League MVP, delivered a clutch home run to right-center field, giving the Yankees the lead. The win was later secured in the ninth inning by a spectacular catch from Gold Glove outfielder Cody Bellinger, whose defensive play capped a hard-fought victory.

Despite his game-saving catch, Bellinger redirected the spotlight to his teammate after the final out: “It’s truly amazing… I just feel like, in any situation, he’s going to come out on top. He’s the best player on this planet, and it’s fun to watch,” Bellinger said of Judge, according to comments gathered by Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Judge’s power at the plate was once again instrumental in securing a critical win for New York.

Schmidt’s return and Cruz’s impact

The Yankees also welcomed back Clark Schmidt on Wednesday. The right-hander, who began the season on the injured list with rotator cuff tendinitis, made his 2025 debut against the Royals. Schmidt pitched 5.2 innings, allowing three runs on four hits, issuing two walks and recording two strikeouts.

Meanwhile, reliever Fernando Cruz played a decisive role in closing out the game. Cruz earned a two-inning save to preserve the Yankees’ 4–3 advantage, delivering under pressure.

Rotation concerns linger

Despite a strong start to the season, the Yankees’ rotation remains one of the team’s most pressing concerns. Former MLB pitcher Dontrelle Willis has suggested that New York may need to pursue a trade to bolster its pitching staff if the club hopes to return to the World Series in 2025. As the season unfolds, the effectiveness and depth of the rotation could prove decisive in determining the Yankees’ postseason fate.