Captain Aaron Judge's return fails to halt the slump as the New York Yankees suffer their fifth consecutive loss.

Today, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge returned to the starting lineup as a designated hitter, but neither this powerful slugger nor any of his teammates could overcome the Rangers' ace pitcher Nathan Eovaldi. Ultimately, the Yankees lost 0-2, marking their fifth straight defeat.

The Yankees anxiously awaited Judge's return from the injured list, where he had missed 10 games due to an elbow injury. During his absence, the team's record was only 4 wins and 6 losses, adding to their anxiety.

The Yankees desperately needed an offensive boost today, but none came against Eovaldi. In eight scoreless innings, Eovaldi retired 24 of the 25 batters he faced, allowing only one hit. He is just four innings away from qualifying for the American League ERA title, with a current ERA of 1.38.

Thus, the timing of Judge's return is far from ideal on multiple levels. Not only does this powerful hitter face one of the most dominant pitchers in the league in his first at-bat since July 26, but he also appeared out of sync at the plate, going 0 for 3 with two strikeouts.

Before today's game, the Yankees activated reigning AL MVP Judge from the injured list. They also made a series of roster moves, placing newly acquired outfielder Austin Slater (left hamstring strain) on the 10-day injured list, activating reliever Mark Leiter Jr., recalling right-hander Yerry De Los Santos, and designating right-hander JT Brubaker for assignment.

Judge was placed on the injured list on July 28 after suffering a right elbow flexor strain from a play at home plate five days earlier. He was eligible to return today.

Manager Aaron Boone stated before Tuesday's loss that Judge might begin a throwing rehabilitation program tomorrow, hoping to return to right field for the upcoming weekend home series.