Yankees star Aaron Judge reveals he's had an MRI on an abdominal injury with his Opening Day status still in doubt... adding to New York's problems after Gerrit Cole's elbow scare

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge revealed he had an MRI on an abdominal injury after feeling discomfort during Spring Training. 

Although the MRI came back clean, Judge will take a few days off from swinging the bat, as Opening Day rapidly approaches. 

Judge's status is now in question, as the Yankees' best hitter, and their best pitcher, Gerrit Cole, are both uncertain to be in the lineup for New York's first regular-season game at the end of March. 

Cole was expected to have an MRI on his right throwing elbow this week. 

After only playing in 106 games last year because of a toe injury, Judge was expected to bounce back and help the Yankees out of second-to-last place in the American League East division. 

Judge is less than two years removed from hitting 62 home runs during the 2022 season

Cole is firmly positioning as the Yankees pitching ace, and his Opening Day status is unclear

The task for New York to get back in playoff contention was already difficult enough, as the three teams finishing ahead of it in the standings last season, Baltimore, Tampa Bay, and Toronto, all have impressive young cores on their rosters. 

The 31-year-old Judge is less than two years removed from being the AL MVP and setting the American League record with 62 home runs in 2022. 

As for Judge's take on his own Opening Day status, he did not give any assurances he would be on the field on March 28 in Houston for New York's first game. 

'I'm pretty sure. I don't want to speculate or talk about anything that hasn't come yet,' Judge said Tuesday per MLB.com. 'The most important thing is taking some time now and be back out there soon.'

Yankees manager Aaron Boone is hoping to turn the Yankees' fortunes around in The Bronx

Judge blamed trying to stay in the best shape possible during the offseason as to why he experienced pain in his abs. 

'I think just from swinging from November all the way until now, every single day, it put some wear and tear on it,' Judge said. 

'Especially coming back after a (right) toe injury when your mechanics are a little messed up and you're just working on some things,' Judge continued. 

Judge did hit 37 home runs last season, a total that equals around 50 longballs if he stayed fully healthy throughout 2023.