Judge's Calf Strain Puts Wild-Card Return in Doubt

Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge sustained a moderate strain of his calf's soleus muscle, a development that manager Aaron Boone suggested makes his return for the wild-card round unlikely. Judge, however, indicated a desire to play in the postseason.

The injury involves the soleus muscle, which is attached to the Achilles tendon. Medical professionals advise against risking further damage, which could jeopardize his availability for the entire 2027 season. Judge expressed displeasure when Boone disclosed the moderate grade of the strain, a detail that had been withheld for days by both the player and manager.