Aaron Judge likely out for Wild Card
Aaron Judge is expected to miss the New York Yankees’ opening postseason series because of a moderate right calf strain. Manager Aaron Boone said the club is preparing for the Wild Card Series without him.
Judge went on the 10-day injured list retroactive to September 17 after leaving a September 16 game against Minnesota. New York is positioned to host Boston in a best-of-three series beginning September 29.
Aaron Judge calf strain began in Minnesota
Judge first felt stiffness in his lower right leg during the first inning at Target Field. He remained in the game before leaving for a pinch hitter in the sixth inning.
An MRI the next day confirmed a strain involving the soleus muscle in his right calf. The diagnosis followed his return from a lengthy absence caused by a fractured right rib.
Aaron Judge faces tight return window
The Yankees placed Judge on the 10-day injured list on September 19, retroactive to September 17. That makes September 27, the regular-season finale, his earliest possible activation date under league rules.
That schedule leaves only two days between his first eligible return and the September 29 Wild Card opener. Boone later said New York is planning as though Judge will not participate in that series.
Aaron Judge’s 2026 numbers fell sharply
Judge has played 66 games in 2026, batting .241 with 18 home runs and 41 RBIs. His .360 on-base percentage and .511 slugging percentage show productive offense despite extended absences.
Those totals are far below his 2025 season, when Judge played 152 games and hit .331 with 53 home runs and 114 RBIs. He also won the American League MVP award.
Aaron Judge had just returned from rib injury
Judge missed more than three months earlier this season because of a fractured right rib. He returned on September 8 against Colorado after an 84-game absence from the Yankees lineup.
The captain skipped a Minor League rehabilitation assignment before returning and went 4-for-23 across seven games. His only home run after coming back was a three-run drive against Minnesota on September 14.
Yankees clinched before Judge setback
New York secured a postseason berth before Judge injured his calf. The Yankees have reached the playoffs for a 3rd consecutive season and for the 8th time in Aaron Boone’s 9 seasons as manager.
New York has since secured the American League’s top Wild Card spot. Boston has also clinched a playoff berth, and the teams are currently lined up for a best-of-three Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium beginning September 29.
Yankees lineup must replace Judge
Judge’s absence removes the Yankees’ three-time MVP from the middle of the lineup. Cody Bellinger said there is no replacing Judge, but expressed confidence that the roster has enough talent to compete.
Ben Rice, Cody Bellinger, Luis García Jr., and Spencer Jones all held prominent lineup roles during Judge’s 2026 absences. Their production helped New York stay in postseason position through the summer.
Yankees carry more injury questions
Judge’s calf strain is one of several health concerns as the Yankees prepare for the postseason. Trent Grisham is working back from a right hamstring strain, while Jazz Chisholm Jr. returned from the injured list on September 22 after a right thumb sprain.
In a best-of-three Wild Card Series, 2 losses end a team’s season. Manager Aaron Boone has said the Yankees are planning their opening postseason roster without Judge.
Aaron Judge’s 2025 season shows the gap
Judge entered September as the reigning American League MVP. In 2025, he hit 53 home runs, scored 137 runs and posted a 1.145 OPS in 152 regular-season games.
Injuries have limited his playing time in 2026. Judge returned from a fractured right rib on September 8, then left a game against Minnesota with a right calf injury on September 16.
Aaron Judge still lacks a return date
Judge has said he wants to be available during the postseason, but he has not provided a firm return date. His earliest activation date does not guarantee that he will be medically ready.
Boone initially declined to provide the grade of Judge’s calf strain or a specific recovery timetable. Later reporting described the injury as moderate, while the manager said New York was planning without him.
Fun fact: Judge once hit a 496-foot homer at Yankee Stadium, and it still ranks as the longest home run ever recorded there by Statcast.
Yankees could host Boston in Wild Card
The Yankees have secured the American League’s top Wild Card spot and will host their opening postseason series at Yankee Stadium. Boston has clinched a berth and is currently lined up as New York’s opponent, though its final seed remains unsettled.
The Wild Card Series is best of three, so 2 losses eliminate a club. If Judge cannot play, the Yankees could be eliminated before he is ready to return.
Aaron Judge carries major career credentials
Judge entered this injury period with 386 career home runs and a .291 batting average. He also owns the American League single-season record with 62 home runs in 2022.
His career résumé includes multiple MVP awards and the Yankees captaincy, which he received in December 2022, making him the 16th captain in franchise history. He became the first Yankees captain since Derek Jeter.
Why was Pete Alonso’s go-ahead home run denied after MLB replay review? The disputed call stood because the replay center did not find enough evidence to overturn the on-field foul ruling.
Yankees prepare for playoffs without Judge
The Yankees spent much of 2026 without Judge because of his rib injury and still clinched a postseason berth. That stretch forced New York to use alternate lineups for months during his absence.
If Judge misses the Wild Card Series, New York will begin the postseason without the player who led Major League Baseball in batting average and OPS during his 2025 MVP season.
Derek Jeter joins the moving Yankees tribute 25 years after 9/11, adding historical perspective to how the franchise continues honoring those affected by the attacks.
How much could Aaron Judge’s absence change the Yankees’ chances in a short Wild Card Series against Boston? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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