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Aaron Judge is not expected to be available for the New York Yankees’ Wild Card Series next week, creating a major concern for the club as it prepares for the American League postseason. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that the team is planning without its star right fielder, although he stopped short of completely ruling out a return.
“We’re planning on him not being a part of that,” Boone said before the Yankees played a doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium, as reported by ESPN.
Aaron Judge injury creates critical Yankees playoff concern
Judge was placed on the injured list Friday after leaving a game against the Minnesota Twins with a right calf strain. The injury occurred only two days after he returned from a fractured rib that had kept him sidelined for more than three months.
On Tuesday, Boone described the injury as a moderate-grade calf strain. Judge received a platelet-rich plasma, or PPP, injection Monday and is expected to avoid physical activity for the next several days. The Yankees are now working against a tight timetable with the Wild Card Series less than a week away.
“You hear all the time with injuries, we get ranges,” Boone said. “Two to four weeks, four to six, all these things. There are ranges for a reason, and we’re at a point in the year where obviously we push it a little bit if that was in play. But that’s a week away so I’m not expecting it, but I’m not ruling it out either.”
Judge’s difficult 2026 season takes another turn
The latest setback is especially frustrating because Judge had only recently returned to the Yankees’ lineup. He came back without appearing in a minor league rehabilitation assignment and played seven games before suffering the calf injury.
During that stretch, Judge went 4-for-23 with 13 strikeouts, one walk and one home run across 24 plate appearances. His injury-plagued campaign is likely to end with a .241 batting average, 18 home runs and an .871 OPS in 66 games.
Those numbers are well below the standard Judge established during his previous two historic Most Valuable Player seasons. The three-time MVP remains one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters, but his limited availability has forced the Yankees to adjust repeatedly during a pivotal season.
Yankees turn to depth with Wild Card Series approaching
New York has already clinched the No. 4 seed in the American League playoffs, though its Wild Card opponent had not been determined at the time of Boone’s comments. The Yankees split Tuesday’s doubleheader with Tampa Bay. Carlos Rodón delivered eight scoreless innings in a 2-0 victory in the opener, while the Rays won the nightcap 6-1 and secured the American League East title.
Without Judge, the Yankees are expected to rely on a combination of Heliot Ramos, Spencer Jones and other available outfielders. Ramos started in right field in both games Tuesday, giving him five consecutive starts since Judge’s absence.
Trent Grisham remains on the injured list with a hamstring issue. If Grisham returns in time to play center field, Jones could become another option in right field. The Yankees will likely use the remaining regular-season games to evaluate their best defensive and offensive alignment.
Left fielder Cody Bellinger provided an encouraging sign Tuesday by hitting a two-run home run. He also expressed confidence in the team’s depth and the way different players have contributed throughout the season.
“We have a lot of talent in this locker room and we have a lot of depth,” Bellinger said. “A lot of different guys have stepped up, whether it’s their first year in the big leagues or getting traded or whoever.”
Jazz Chisholm Jr. returns to strengthen New York’s lineup
The Yankees did receive positive news when Jazz Chisholm Jr. was activated before the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader. Chisholm had been sidelined by a sprained thumb suffered while sliding into second base against the Colorado Rockies on Sept. 8.
He went 1-for-3 with a walk in his return, giving New York another athletic and versatile option for the postseason. His presence could help soften the impact of Judge’s absence, but replacing Judge’s power and lineup presence remains a significant challenge.
The Yankees went 41-25 in games Judge played this season and 49-42 in games he missed. Those results show that New York can compete without him, but the postseason brings a different level of pressure. If Judge cannot return, the Yankees will need timely hitting, strong defense and outstanding pitching to advance.
What Aaron Judge’s injury means for the Yankees
- The Yankees are preparing for the Wild Card Series without Judge.
- Boone has not completely ruled out a return, but the timeline is extremely tight.
- Judge’s moderate calf strain requires rest after a recent PPP injection.
- Heliot Ramos and Spencer Jones are among the potential right-field replacements.
- Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s return gives New York valuable postseason depth.
FAQs about Aaron Judge and the Yankees
Will Aaron Judge play in the Wild Card Series?
The Yankees do not currently expect Judge to play, according to Aaron Boone. However, Boone said he has not completely ruled out the possibility of Judge returning.
What injury does Aaron Judge have?
Judge is dealing with a moderate right calf strain. He received a PPP injection and will avoid physical activity for several days.
How many games did Aaron Judge play in 2026?
Judge appeared in 66 games during the 2026 regular season and is likely to finish with a .241 batting average, 18 home runs and an .871 OPS.
Who could replace Judge in right field?
Heliot Ramos and Spencer Jones are among the Yankees’ options. Trent Grisham’s potential return could also affect the club’s outfield plans.
