Aaron Judge making surprising progress ahead of Yankees-Red Sox Wild Card opener
New York gets encouraging sign as Aaron Judge works toward postseason return
Aaron Judge’s chances of helping the New York Yankees against the Boston Red Sox have taken an unexpected turn ahead of their American League Wild Card opener.
Judge has been sidelined with a right calf strain since Sept. 16, after experiencing stiffness in his lower right leg during a game against the Minnesota Twins.
The injury came at an especially frustrating time, as Judge had only recently returned from a lengthy absence caused by a right rib stress fracture.
The Yankees initially prepared for the possibility that their captain wouldn’t be available for the postseason. Manager Aaron Boone said on Sept. 22 that Judge had a “moderate grade” calf strain and that the club wasn’t planning to activate him for the Wild Card Series, although he stopped short of completely ruling out a return.
That cautious outlook has now shifted slightly. According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, Judge completed indoor hitting and throwing Sunday and could participate in live batting practice Monday.
Boone said the Yankees would continue listening to their training and medical staffs before determining whether Judge can take the next step.
The development is significant because Judge has been determined to find a way back onto the field. He previously indicated that he hopes to be available for Game 1, although the Yankees haven’t committed to putting him on the roster or lineup.
Judge still faces a major hurdle
Judge has also made it clear that he wants to return as a right fielder rather than simply serve as a designated hitter or pinch-hitter. He believes being able to play the field would give New York its strongest possible lineup, but that would also place greater physical demands on his recovering calf.
As of the latest update, Judge still hadn’t resumed running the bases. That remains an important hurdle because his calf would be tested not only while sprinting between bases, but also when tracking balls in the outfield and changing direction defensively.
His recent playing history makes the situation even more complicated. Judge missed more than three months because of the rib injury before returning on Sept. 8. He appeared in only six games before the calf issue forced him out again, going 4-for-23 with one home run and three RBIs during that brief return.
Despite the setbacks, Judge has remained focused on accelerating his recovery.
“We’re doing everything in our power to speed this process up,” he said previously.
The Yankees and Red Sox are scheduled to begin their Wild Card Series Tuesday night in the Bronx. Cam Schlittler is expected to start for New York, while Payton Tolle is slated to take the mound for Boston.
