Aaron Judge’s Yankees homer leads to surprise early intentional walk

Aaron Judge, who seems to find a new way to astound every day, reached base four of five times including a two-run homer (his 41st) in the first inning and a two-out, bases-empty, intentional walk in the second inning.

The Blue Jays did not want to pitch to him.

Austin Wells followed with a single, but Torres struck out.

Judge acknowledged he was surprised because of “how early it was in the game.”

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“It was still pretty close at the time,” Judge said, the Yankees up 4-1 at the time . “So I guess with two outs there, they were just looking to maybe just get the next guy. Wells came up with the big hit.

“Hopefully it doesn’t happen again.”

Deadline acquisition Mark Leiter Jr. made his home debut and allowed three singles that loaded the bases in the ninth inning.

After recording two outs, Leiter was pulled for Clay Holmes, who struck out George Springer to record his 23rd save.

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Giancarlo Stanton was out of the lineup in a decision that was twofold: Stanton, who had started three of four games since his activation from an injury that did not involve a rehab assignment, is still building up, Boone said, and Boone wanted Judge to get off his feet.

Judge served as the designated hitter as Trent Grisham, who homered, got the start in center field.

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Clarke Schmidt, who is rehabbing from a right lat strain, is set to throw his first live session Tuesday since his injury, Schmidt said.

Also Tuesday will be a bullpen session for Ian Hamilton, who is beginning to build up from a right lat strain. Boone did not provide an estimate on when Hamilton, who last pitched June 16, could be ready.

Boone also did not know when infielders Anthony Rizzo and Jon Berti could become options, though both are heading in the right direction.

Rizzo, recovering from a right forearm fracture, has begun swinging, Boone said.

Berti, out with a left calf strain, is running at about 80 percent. Both took ground balls on Friday.

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