New York – Yankees power hitter Aaron Judge was on the field for batting practice on Monday, a clear sign that he is aiming to suit up for the team’s American League wild‑card Game 1 against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.
Judge, who missed the final ten games of the regular season due to a right rib fracture and a subsequent calf injury, took a total of four plate appearances in the open‑air session. He walked twice, grounded out once and struck out once. He also spent time in the indoor batting cage and threw several practice balls, demonstrating a focused effort to regain his pre‑injury form.
Judge’s Outlook and Health Update
When asked about his chances of making the wild‑card roster, Judge said, “I’ve been doing a lot of convincing. I feel like I’m going to keep doing that. The most important thing is just making sure I’m healthy and ready for this long stretch.” He added, “We’ve got another month of baseball to play, so I want to be ready for the long run. I know the team wants me out there, especially in that first game.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone remained cautiously optimistic, stating, “He’s making progress. We’ll continue to see where he’s at.” Boone’s measured comments reflect the team’s desire to balance optimism with the need to protect Judge’s health.
Potential Role in the Lineup
Judge expressed a preference to return to his regular spot in right field rather than being limited to a designated‑hitter or reserve role. He acknowledged the risks of a quick comeback, noting, “Guys take risks every single day. I know a lot of guys are banged up and dealing with stuff. So yeah, I understand the risks. I’ve got it all.”
Season Statistics and Recent Performance
Judge missed just over half of the regular season, returning on September 8. In the seven games he played before his calf injury, he posted a .174 batting average (4‑for‑23) with one three‑run homer but no additional long balls or RBIs. Over the full 66‑game stretch this season, he recorded a .241 average, a .360 on‑base percentage, a .511 slugging percentage, 18 home runs and 41 RBIs.
These numbers underscore Judge’s continued power threat despite the injuries that limited his playing time. The Yankees will be hoping his presence in the lineup can provide a boost to the offense as they seek to advance in the postseason.
What’s Next
The wild‑card game is set for Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. If Judge is cleared to play, he will join a lineup that includes veteran outfielders and a pitching staff looking to capitalize on the momentum from the regular season’s finish. The Yankees will aim to leverage Judge’s power and veteran experience to secure a win and move deeper into the playoffs.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Judge’s health holds up over the next month of postseason baseball, a period that could define the trajectory of his season and the Yankees’ championship aspirations.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
