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Yankees game today comes with a major surprise: Aaron Judge will not be available for New York’s American League Wild Card Series opener against the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees left their three-time American League MVP off the 26-man roster after determining that his injured right calf was not ready for postseason action.
New York submitted its roster Tuesday ahead of Game 1 at Yankee Stadium. While Judge is out, the Yankees made another significant move by activating Giancarlo Stanton from the 60-day injured list. Stanton has not played since April and is expected to serve primarily as a pinch hitter during the best-of-three series.
Yankees Game Today Takes Stunning Roster Turn
Judge strained his right calf on Sept. 16, only seven games after returning from a fractured rib that had sidelined him for more than three months. He had been pushing aggressively to prove he could contribute, but team officials ultimately decided that he was not healthy enough to play right field or run the bases reliably.
During Monday’s workout, Judge took batting practice and faced live pitching. He hit a home run on the final pitch of one session and later completed four at-bats against Yankees pitchers. However, he did not run on the field at that point, leaving questions about whether he could handle the demands of a playoff game.
“I just felt like he wasn’t quite ready to be what he needs to be for us,” manager Aaron Boone said, according to ESPN.
Why Aaron Judge Was Left Off the Roster
The Yankees could have carried Judge as a limited pinch-hitting option, but that role is already earmarked for Stanton. The club also prefers Ben Rice at designated hitter, with Luis Garcia Jr. and Paul Goldschmidt sharing first-base duties.
Without the ability to run comfortably, Judge would have been difficult to use in the field. New York also carried 16 position players and only 10 pitchers, an unusual postseason roster construction that reflects the team’s need for offensive flexibility.
- Aaron Judge was left off the Yankees’ Wild Card roster.
- Giancarlo Stanton was activated after more than five months away.
- Trent Grisham returned to the roster after a hamstring injury.
- Ryan Weathers was not included because of a forearm flexor strain.
Giancarlo Stanton Returns for Yankees-Red Sox Clash
Stanton brings considerable postseason experience to the Yankees’ lineup, even though his availability remains limited. He has hit 18 home runs and posted a .926 OPS in 48 career playoff games, making him one of New York’s most dangerous potential bats in key situations.
The slugger strained his right calf on April 24 and suffered two setbacks while attempting to return. He aggravated the same calf in June before straining his left calf in August. Because of that extended absence, the Yankees are expected to use him carefully rather than place him in the starting lineup.
Trent Grisham is also back after missing time with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Grisham served as New York’s primary center fielder during the regular season and could provide valuable defense and speed against Boston.
Can Judge Return in the Division Series?
There is still a path for Judge to return if the Yankees defeat the Red Sox. Boone said Judge completed light running and agility drills before Game 1, marking his first on-field running since the injury.
If New York advances to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, the team could add Judge to the roster. Game 1 of that series is scheduled for Saturday at Tropicana Field, followed by an off day and Game 2 on Monday. Those additional recovery days could be important for the Yankees’ superstar.
Judge’s absence is a major blow for a club that finished with the American League’s second-best record at 93-68. He played only 66 games but helped the Yankees go 41-25 when he was in the lineup. New York went 52-43 without him, relying heavily on a pitching staff that posted the best earned run average in the majors.
The Yankees also scored roughly one fewer run per game without Judge. His return would dramatically change the matchup, but New York must first survive a fierce rivalry series against Boston.
What to Watch in Today’s Yankees Game
The biggest question is whether New York’s offense can create enough production without its captain. Stanton’s pinch-hitting opportunities could become pivotal, while Rice, Goldschmidt and the rest of the lineup will be under pressure to deliver early.
Boston has also made an aggressive roster move, adding Garrett Crochet to its bullpen despite his lengthy absence. That could make late innings especially challenging for the Yankees.
For now, the Yankees are choosing caution over desperation. Judge remains hopeful of returning later in October, but the immediate mission is clear: win two games against the Red Sox and keep the postseason alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aaron Judge playing in the Yankees game today?
No. Judge was left off New York’s 26-man roster for the American League Wild Card Series against Boston because of his right calf injury.
Is Giancarlo Stanton playing for the Yankees?
Stanton was activated from the 60-day injured list and is expected to be used primarily as a pinch hitter.
Why was Aaron Judge left off the roster?
The Yankees believed Judge was not yet ready to run the bases or play right field at full strength after straining his calf.
Could Aaron Judge return in the next playoff round?
Yes. If the Yankees advance to the American League Division Series, adding Judge to the roster is considered a possibility.
