Aaron Judge's Postseason Status Uncertain After Calf Injection
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated the star outfielder is not expected to be available for the playoffs as he recovers from a calf strain.
The New York Yankees may face the postseason without their captain, Aaron Judge, following a recent injection for a calf injury. Manager Aaron Boone stated that the team is planning as if Judge will not be part of the playoff roster, though he did not entirely rule out a return.
Judge received a platelet-poor plasma injection in his right calf on Monday, an off-day for the team. Boone indicated that recovery timelines for such injuries typically range from two to six weeks. "We’re planning on him not being a part of that, but we’re also at [that] time of the year, you hear all the time with injuries, you give ranges two to four weeks, four to six weeks," Boone said.
This latest injury occurred just seven games after Judge returned from a three-month absence due to a rib injury. He was placed back on the injured list last week with the calf strain, which he sustained in the Yankees' final game against the Minnesota Twins. While he is eligible to be activated on the final day of the regular season against the Baltimore Orioles, an activation appears unlikely.
"The range is for a reason, and we’re at a point of the year where obviously we push it a little bit if that was in play, but that’s a week away," Boone added. "I’m not expecting it, but I’m not ruling it out either."
Despite Judge's struggles at the plate in his brief return – going 4 for 23 with one home run and 13 strikeouts – his presence is a significant factor for the Yankees. The team has a 41-25 record with Judge in the lineup this season, compared to a 48-41 record without him. While the Yankees have managed to maintain a winning record without their star, their offense has faltered in his absence. The team's pitching staff, boasting an MLB-leading 3.22 ERA, has largely carried the team.
In 66 games this season, Judge is batting .241 with 18 home runs and 41 RBIs.
The Yankees are projected to face the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card series at home. Boone acknowledged the team's preparedness to play without Judge.
"We’ve played much of the year without him and, for the most part, we’ve done a pretty good job," Boone said. "So guys are used to it. Obviously, you always want your best player in the mix, but we understand we’ve got a job to do and an expectation to win. I think that expectation doesn’t change with or without him. We’re expecting to go into the series and know we can beat anyone when we play our game."