Washington explains intentional walks to Judge: 'You don't mess with that' 6c1k1x

Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington didn't want anything to do with Aaron Judge early in his team's 1-0 loss to the New York Yankees on Wednesday. 5t5541

The Angels intentionally walked Judge twice in two innings with runners in scoring position, and the Yankees captain had a funny way of acknowledging Washington's actions.

Aaron Judge tips his cap to a laughing Ron Washington after he was intentionally walked twice in the first two innings pic.twitter.com/PB13QcIBQn

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 29, 2025

Washington's move was unpopular among the home crowd - many fans in attendance booed at being unable to see the star slugger, a California native, hit. Judge entered Wednesday slashing .450/.589/.750 with runners in scoring position.

While Judge didn't do any damage, he was on base after a first-inning intentional when Anthony Volpe's sacrifice fly scored Paul Goldschmidt for the game's only run.

Washington, who has shown no restraint in issuing Judge intentional walks in the past, had a simple explanation for his decisions.

"He's dangerous," Washington said, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.

"I don't know what would've happened in that game if I wouldn't have walked him those first two times. You don't mess with that. I don't care how he's swinging the bat. You don't mess with that if you don't have to."

Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi, who issued both intentional es to Judge in a losing effort, didn't agree with his manager's decision, even though it kept the two-time MVP somewhat contained.

"I didn't really like the intentional walk there, but it's the manager's decision, so we'll just go with it," Kikuchi said of the first-inning walk through an interpreter.

Judge ended the game 0-for-2 with the two free es and a strikeout as the Yankees handed the Halos their fifth consecutive loss.