New York Yankees power hitter Aaron Judge told ESPN that his plan is to have his body ready for the start of the American League Wild Card series next week. “That’s what the plan is,” Judge said. “Try to get my body ready so I’m ready to go.”
Injury update
Judge was placed on the 10‑day injured list Saturday after being diagnosed with a right calf strain, specifically a soleus muscle strain that is crucial for running and generating power at the plate. He confirmed that he received a platelet‑poor plasma (PPP) injection on Monday to aid recovery and is awaiting clearance from the team’s medical staff before returning to full baseball activity.
Manager’s perspective
Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that the team is planning for Judge not to be available for the opening game of the Wild Card series, though he has not ruled the player out entirely. “We’re planning on him not being a part of that,” Boone said, adding that the roster remains flexible as the club evaluates options.
What the Wild Card series means for Judge
If Judge is not on the Wild Card roster, he would not be eligible to play until the Yankees advance to the American League Division Series, which requires winning the best‑of‑three Wild Card matchup. Judge noted that he has been in discussions with decision‑makers within the organization but declined to provide specifics, stating, “I can’t control what people say. So, you’ll have to talk to them about that.”
Recent performance
Since returning from a three‑month stint on the injured list for a fractured rib, Judge has shown a glimpse of his usual power. In his most recent 24 plate appearances, he went 4‑for‑23 with one home run and 13 strikeouts. He emphasized his commitment to the team, saying, “We’ve got games to win. I’m getting paid to play games for the New York Yankees, so I’ll get back as soon as I can.”
Potential opponent
The Yankees could face a variety of AL teams in the Wild Card series, but the most likely opponent appears to be a rematch against the Boston Red Sox, echoing the 2025 postseason meeting in the Bronx.
Looking ahead
The Yankees will continue to monitor Judge’s recovery over the next few days, balancing the desire to have their marquee slugger in the lineup with the need to protect his health for a deep postseason run. Fans can expect updates from the club as the series approaches.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
