In a story that’s sending seismic waves through the baseball world, Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo has released what he claims is irrefutable video evidence that New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge used a mystery drug moments after recording his milestone 500th career extra-base hit.
The footage — reportedly captured from a security camera in a restricted-access tunnel beneath Chase Field — appears to show Judge being handed a small, metallic container by an unidentified member of the Yankees’ traveling staff. Seconds later, Judge can be seen discreetly ingesting the contents, just moments after returning to the dugout following his historic double in the sixth inning.
“This Needs to Be Investigated Immediately”
In an emergency press conference late Friday afternoon, Lovullo told reporters:
“We’re not here to discredit a great player’s career. But what we saw raised red flags — serious ones. This isn’t paranoia. It’s about protecting the integrity of the game.”
Lovullo stated that he initially didn’t plan to release the video but felt compelled after internal discussions and a “lack of cooperation” from the Yankees organization. The Diamondbacks have formally submitted the footage to Major League Baseball and are demanding an immediate inquiry.
Fans Left Reeling
Social media erupted within minutes of the footage being posted online. Fans and analysts alike are split — some defending Judge as a clean player and others wondering whether this could be the beginning of a major scandal.
“What was it? A supplement? A banned stimulant? Why immediately after a milestone hit?” one user wrote on X. “Why the secrecy?”
The Judge Camp Responds
Judge’s representatives quickly fired back, calling the accusations “reckless and slanderous.” In an official statement, they claimed the substance was “a pre-approved electrolyte concentrate” commonly used by elite athletes to avoid cramping during extended road trips in hot climates.
“Aaron Judge has never used, nor would ever consider using, any banned or performance-enhancing substance,” the statement read. “This is a targeted attack on one of baseball’s most respected figures.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone also downplayed the controversy, calling the footage “taken out of context” and accusing Lovullo of creating “a distraction after a tough series.”
League Under Pressure
With MLB already under scrutiny from recent umpiring and integrity controversies, this latest revelation adds fuel to growing concerns about the enforcement of drug policies and transparency.
While Judge has never previously been linked to any PED rumors, fans and media are demanding clarity — and quickly.
“This can’t be swept under the rug,” said a prominent former pitcher on MLB Network. “If the league doesn’t act fast, the speculation will only get worse.”
