The New York Yankees announced on Monday that Aaron Judge will not be on the postseason roster for the upcoming AL Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox due to a moderate-grade calf strain, manager Aaron Boone confirmed in a press briefing.
Judge received a platelet-poor plasma injection into his right calf during the team’s off day following its return from Arizona, though Boone stated the procedure does not guarantee his availability. The Yankees’ star outfielder, who has battled injuries throughout the season, was placed on the injured list last week after aggravating the strain during the team’s series against the Minnesota Twins.
Boone indicated that Judge’s return timeline remains uncertain, noting that while the team is planning for him to miss the postseason opener, they are not entirely ruling out a late-season activation. Judge is eligible to return on the final day of the regular season in the Yankees’ series against the Baltimore Orioles, but an activation appears unlikely given his ongoing symptoms.
Judge’s 2023 season has been significantly impacted by injuries, limiting him to just 66 games. In those appearances, he posted a .241 batting average with 18 home runs and 41 RBI, a stark decline from his 2022 performance when he slashed .331/.425/.671 with 53 home runs and 114 RBI in 152 games. His absence from the lineup has already forced the Yankees to adjust their offensive approach, particularly in high-leverage situations where his presence often draws defensive shifts.
The Yankees’ decision to exclude Judge from the postseason roster underscores the challenges posed by his recurring calf issues, which have now sidelined him for extended periods in consecutive seasons. Boone emphasized the team’s cautious approach, stating that the injection was administered as a precautionary measure to expedite recovery, though its effectiveness remains unproven at this stage.
With Judge’s status confirmed for the Wild Card series, the Yankees will rely on a mix of veteran depth and emerging talent to fill the void left by their three-time AL MVP. The team’s ability to adapt without their franchise cornerstone will be tested immediately in what is widely regarded as a must-win series against their longtime rival.