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Yankees fans will have to wait longer to see Aaron Judge return to the postseason. New York left its star slugger off the 26-man roster for the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, choosing recovery and long-term health over a potential limited role.
The decision was announced Saturday, Oct. 3, ahead of Game 1 at Tropicana Field. Judge remains sidelined while recovering from a right calf strain, and manager Aaron Boone said the organization believes additional preparation is necessary before the 34-year-old can safely return.
Yankees Make Critical Aaron Judge Roster Decision
Judge was not included on the roster for the second consecutive postseason round. He also missed the Yankees’ wild-card series against the Boston Red Sox, although New York advanced comfortably with an 18-2 sweep over two games at Yankee Stadium.
Boone said he made the decision after meeting with Judge and Mike Shuck, the team’s director of sports medicine and rehabilitation, following Friday’s workout. While Judge has progressed to hitting and recently started running, the Yankees believe he needs more time to build endurance and regain confidence in his lower leg.
“I obviously decided keeping him off was the best thing,” Boone said, according to ESPN. “I feel like he’s getting close, but I feel like for us to get a version of Aaron back and to win a World Series, this week’s important for him.”
Why Aaron Judge Is Still Sidelined
Judge has not played since Sept. 16, when he strained the soleus muscle in his right calf during his seventh game back from a fractured rib. He returned to the injured list three days later and received a platelet-poor plasma injection intended to support the healing process.
The Yankees considered carrying Judge for the wild-card round and again discussed the possibility before the ALDS. He faced live pitching for the first time late last month and continued baseball activities throughout the week, including batting practice and workouts at the team’s minor league complex in Tampa.
Judge also hit on the field at Tropicana Field during Friday’s workout. However, he did not run on the playing surface, and the stadium’s artificial turf became another factor in the club’s decision. Boone indicated that Judge may be ready to take an at-bat, but the team does not yet believe he is prepared for the demands of a playoff series.
Stanton and Weathers Provide Important Roster Boost
The Yankees did make room for fellow slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who remains available as a pinch-hitting option. Stanton has not appeared in a game since April after dealing with three separate calf strains, and he did not record an at-bat during the wild-card series.
New York also added left-hander Ryan Weathers, replacing utility player Amed Rosario from the wild-card roster. Weathers has been limited since leaving an Aug. 22 start with a forearm flexor strain.
- The Yankees will carry 11 pitchers and 15 position players.
- Weathers is expected to work as a one-inning reliever.
- He is not cleared to pitch on consecutive days.
- Off days after Games 1 and 2 could help manage his workload.
Boone said Weathers looks healthy and could become an important piece against the Rays. His presence gives New York another left-handed pitching option while the club manages its bullpen during a demanding division series.
What Judge’s Absence Means for New York
The Yankees will now attempt to defeat the American League East champions without the player who anchors their lineup and represents one of baseball’s biggest offensive threats. Still, the club has shown it can win without him. New York entered the ALDS with a 54-43 record in games played without Judge this season.
That record offers encouragement, but the stakes are significantly higher in October. The Rays can pressure opposing pitchers and defense, making every lineup decision especially important. Without Judge, the Yankees may rely more heavily on Stanton’s power, their top contributors in the middle of the order and a deep pitching staff.
If New York advances to the American League Championship Series, Judge could have another opportunity to return. Boone suggested that five to seven more days of running, hitting and conditioning may give the slugger a stronger chance to contribute.
For now, the Yankees are taking a cautious approach. The club is not ruling out Judge’s return in 2026, but it wants him healthy enough to provide a complete performance rather than risk another setback in the middle of the postseason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Aaron Judge not on the Yankees’ ALDS roster?
Judge is continuing to recover from a right calf strain. The Yankees believe he needs more time to rebuild his running endurance and prepare for game action.
When did Aaron Judge last play?
Judge last appeared on Sept. 16, when he strained the soleus muscle in his right calf during his seventh game back from a fractured rib.
Can Aaron Judge return during the Yankees’ postseason run?
Yes, but only if the Yankees advance to the ALCS. He cannot be added during the ALDS unless an injury substitution becomes available under postseason roster rules.
What role will Giancarlo Stanton have?
Stanton will remain available primarily as a pinch hitter. He has not played since April because of multiple calf strains.
Who replaced Amed Rosario on the Yankees’ roster?
Left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers replaced Rosario. Weathers is expected to work in a limited relief role and cannot pitch on consecutive days.
