Aaron Judge’s first-inning home run on Sunday afternoon at Truist Park in Atlanta was the 351st of his Major League career, tying him with Alex Rodriguez for sixth on the New York Yankees’ all-time home run list.
The solo shot came off Atlanta Braves right-hander Grant Holmes and traveled 409 feet to right field. It was Judge’s 36th home run of the 2025 season and his first ever at Truist Park – the 32nd different Major League stadium in which he has homered.
Following the blast, Judge said, “It’s just an incredible honor, especially growing up and watching A-Rod for so many years, watching what he did in the pinstripes. He’s a legend, one of the best to ever play. So getting to tie him with the Yankees, that’s pretty cool – but there’s more to come.”
Judge now trails only five players in Yankees history: Babe Ruth (659), Mickey Mantle (536), Lou Gehrig (493), Joe DiMaggio (361), and Yogi Berra (358).
This home run is also Judge’s eighth in his last 17 games. He now shares third place among active players for most stadiums homered in, tied with Willy Adames, Randal Grichuk, and Carlos Santana. Only Giancarlo Stanton (36) and Manny Machado (34) have homered in more Major League parks.
- Aaron Judge tied Alex Rodriguez with his 351st career homer, placing him sixth on the Yankees’ all-time home run list.
- The Yankees beat the Braves 4-2, powered by Judge’s blast, Stroman’s solid pitching, and timely hits from Goldschmidt, Vivas, and Chisholm.
- New York heads to Toronto for a critical three-game set, trailing the Blue Jays by just three games in the AL East.
Aaron Judge Remains MVP Favorite as Betting Odds Adjust
Aaron Judge is second in the league in home runs behind Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who leads with 38. Raleigh also won the Home Run Derby held in Atlanta on Monday. Judge’s recent performance has influenced betting markets.
Judge remains a leading candidate for the 2025 AL MVP. According to sportsbooks, his MVP odds have ranged between –575 and –800 in recent days. Earlier in the season, FanDuel listed Judge at –8000. The odds movement shows increased competition from players like Raleigh, but still places Judge as the favorite.
In futures markets, BetMGM lists the Yankees at +800 to win the World Series, +340 to win the American League pennant, and +100 to win the AL East. These figures reflect current standings and betting volume ahead of their upcoming series in Toronto.
For their July 22 matchup against the Blue Jays, sportsbooks set the Yankees’ moneyline around –120, with the game total ranging from 8.5 to 9 runs. New York’s Carlos Rodón is scheduled to pitch against Toronto’s Kevin Gausman.
Stroman Delivers Six Strong Innings as Bullpen Rests
The Yankees’ 4-2 victory over the Braves was backed by a steady performance from Marcus Stroman, who pitched six innings and allowed just one run — a solo home run by Matt Olson in the sixth. Stroman scattered five hits, struck out four, and did not issue a walk.
With the Yankees’ bullpen running thin, the game plan was to limit relief usage. Manager Aaron Boone avoided using Jonathan Loáisiga, Luke Weaver, JT Brubaker, and Scott Effross. The pitching duties moved efficiently from Stroman to Ian Hamilton, followed by Tim Hill, and finally to Devin Williams. Williams secured his 14th save despite surrendering a solo homer to Ronald Acuña Jr. in the ninth.
Stroman effectively mixed his pitches and worked both sides of the plate, in sync with catcher Ben Rice throughout his outing. The solid start gave the Yankees exactly what they needed to secure the series win while keeping key relievers rested for the road ahead.
Vivas, Goldschmidt, and Chisholm Contribute Offensively
In the third inning, Jorbit Vivas made a diving catch in foul ground to grab Jurickson Profar’s popped-up bunt, helping Stroman escape a jam, followed by a double play from Matt Olson.
Vivas later contributed to the offense when he was hit in the left knee by a pitch from Holmes in the sixth inning, forcing in the Yankees’ third run with the bases loaded.
In the seventh inning, Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a run-scoring double off Dane Dunning, increasing New York’s lead to 4-1.
In the ninth, Devin Williams allowed a home run to Ronald Acuña Jr. but secured his 14th save of the season. The Yankees’ win clinched the rubber match of the three-game series against the Braves.
Yankees Secure Series Victory Ahead of AL East Showdown
With the win, the Yankees improved to 55-44. The Braves dropped the rubber match of the series at Truist Park, while the Toronto Blue Jays (58-41) also won Sunday, maintaining a three-game lead over the Yankees in the American League East.
The Yankees will now travel to Toronto for a three-game series.
“This was a big series win, especially going into Toronto. It’s a good time to start getting hot. There’s more to come,” Judge said.
