Yankees Weigh Aaron Judge's Addition to ALDS Roster Amidst Calf Recovery

The New York Yankees are facing a critical decision regarding the inclusion of star outfielder Aaron Judge on their roster for the upcoming American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Tampa Bay Rays. Judge has been actively participating in workouts, including batting practice, as he attempts to recover from a moderate right calf strain he suffered on September 16.

While Judge was not cleared for the AL wild-card series against the Boston Red Sox, his participation in batting practice and other baseball activities has increased his chances of being added to the roster for the ALDS. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that the team is evaluating Judge's availability for potential use at some point during the series. "We're looking at the days and so it's more, is he going to be available at some point in this series, potentially, as a player?" Boone said Friday. "That's what we're kind of weighing and then seeing where he's at now these last few days having taken live [batting practice]."

The series schedule, featuring off days after Games 1, 2, and 4, could provide Judge with additional recovery time. The Yankees appear hesitant to have him play on the turf at Tropicana Field or to use him as a designated hitter, which would necessitate lineup adjustments. A possible scenario is for Judge to serve as a pinch-hit option in the initial games, with the potential to play right field by Game 3 in New York.

However, the Yankees have maintained a level of ambiguity regarding Judge's status, a stance consistent with his recovery process. "The trainers will obviously play a big part in this," Boone stated. "As the day unfolds, we'll see where we're at and what it potentially looks like for the series."

Judge's recent activities have included live batting practice on multiple occasions, light running, and on-field batting practice at Tropicana Field. The team is still assessing his ability to run the bases, a key factor in determining his readiness. Boone noted that the team might find ways to simulate base-running activities if direct participation is limited.

The team's roster flexibility might also influence the decision. Boone suggested the possibility of carrying 10-12 pitchers, which would allow for 14-16 position players. This could make it feasible to include Judge, even if he is not immediately at full capacity. During his brief return earlier in the season after a three-month absence due to a broken rib, Judge hit .174 with one home run and 13 strikeouts in seven games.

Meanwhile, the Rays are preparing as if Judge will be in the Yankees' lineup. Rays manager Kevin Cash acknowledged the need to strategize for his potential presence. "I was thinking that Aaron Judge was going to be there a week ago just so I'm not devastated when he's on," Cash said. "I expect him playing right field, hitting third."

Game 1 starter Drew Rasmussen echoed this sentiment, stating, "I think we make the assumption he's in there until he's not." Despite Judge's potential return, Cash also commended the Yankees for their performance in his absence, particularly their success against the Red Sox in the wild-card series, highlighting the team's depth.

"It's incredibly impressive," Cash said, "the offensive success that they have had missing the best hitter in our sport."