New York – The New York Yankees announced that Aaron Judge will not be on the roster for the upcoming American League wild‑card series against the Boston Red Sox. The decision, reported by multiple media outlets, comes as Judge continues to recover from a strained right calf that sidelined him on September 16.
Injury history and recent performance
Judge, a three‑time AL MVP, returned to the lineup on September 8 after missing more than three months with a fractured rib. He appeared in seven games before the calf strain forced him out again. In those seven games he batted .174 (4‑for‑23) with one home run and three RBIs, a modest output compared with his season‑long numbers.
Overall this season, Judge has played in 66 games, posting a .241 batting average, a .360 on‑base percentage and a .511 slugging percentage. He has hit 18 home runs and driven in 41 runs. While those figures demonstrate his power, the recent injury has raised concerns about his ability to contribute in the high‑stakes postseason.
Judge’s response
Speaking after taking batting practice on Monday, Judge emphasized his commitment to returning to full health. “I’ve been doing a lot of convincing,” he said. “I feel like I’m going to keep doing that. But I think the most important thing is just making sure I’m healthy and ready to go for this long stretch.” He added, “We got another month of baseball to play so I want to be ready for the long run we’re going to go on here for this next month. We’re all going to be smart, but I think they all know I want to be out there, especially that first game.”
Team’s stance
The Yankees have not issued an official statement confirming the roster move ahead of Game 1, scheduled for Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. However, the omission aligns with the organization’s cautious approach to player health, especially as the team prepares for a potential three‑game series that could extend into early October.
Manager Aaron Boone and the medical staff have been closely monitoring Judge’s calf condition. While the exact timeline for a full return remains uncertain, the team appears to prioritize a fully healthy roster over rushing a player back into action.
Implications for the series
Without Judge in the lineup, the Yankees will rely on other power hitters to fill the offensive void. Players such as Giancarlo Stanton, Juan Soto and Anthony Rizzo are expected to see increased opportunities. The Red Sox, meanwhile, will look to exploit the Yankees’ reduced firepower.
The wild‑card series is a best‑of‑three format, meaning each game carries significant weight. The Yankees’ decision to hold Judge out underscores the high stakes and the importance of fielding a roster that can endure the rigors of postseason baseball.
Looking ahead
Judge’s health will remain a focal point for Yankees fans and analysts alike. If he can recover fully, he could return for the later stages of the playoffs, providing a potent boost to the lineup. Until then, the team’s immediate challenge is to navigate the wild‑card series without one of its marquee sluggers.
For updates on Judge’s recovery and the Yankees’ postseason progress, stay tuned to local sports coverage.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
