New York Yankees receive massive boost as Aaron Judge nears playoff return

A aron Judge was one of the notable absences from the player introductions before Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series , and on Wednesday afternoon he wasn't even in New York. Both situations have an explanation: the New York Yankees captain is working to return in time for a possible Division Series (ALDS) , as long as his teammates advance.

Manager Aaron Boone explained that Judge was receiving treatment for his right calf strain during Tuesday's introductions, a moment when he surely would have received one of the loudest ovations at Yankee Stadium.

"I didn't even know until it happened, but I think a couple of the injured guys weren't involved in it," Boone said Wednesday afternoon. "I think he was getting treatment stuff."

His absence sparked speculation among fans, who came to think that his first session running in the outfield hadn't gone well or that he was upset about not being on the playoff roster despite his efforts to return.

Those doubts faded on Wednesday, when Judge traveled to Somerset to take live batting practice with the Yankees ' reserve group. It was the second time in three days that he faced live pitching, this time against pitchers including Luis Gil, Eli Morgan and Justin Topa . He is expected to return to the Bronx for Game 2 against the Boston Red Sox .

Judge continues progressing toward a possible return

Boone said the three-time MVP's progress has been positive since the injury.

"I think it's been encouraging that a couple nights ago [Monday] for the workout he was able to get out there for live BP," Boone said. "Again, that wasn't just, he's just going out for live BP. He had to check a lot of boxes for the trainers and the strength guys to say, 'OK, you're ready for that, you can go do that.'

"So I feel like in the couple weeks since the injury, he's made real strides and significant improvements. And hopefully we're in a position to make another decision in a couple of days."

The manager added that Judge has made real strides in recent weeks, though there is still no final decision on his availability for a possible ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays .

One factor complicating his return is that the first game of that series would be at Tropicana Field , a stadium with an artificial surface that can pose a greater risk for players with muscle injuries.

"I mean, I guess that could [complicate things], but we'll see where we are and hopefully making that decision in a couple days," Boone said.

The Yankees could add Judge to the Division Series roster as a designated hitter, though the player himself has acknowledged that the ideal scenario would be returning in right field. The reason is the abundance of options at designated hitter and first base, with names like Ben Rice, Luis García Jr. and Paul Goldschmidt.

For now, Judge is working against the clock to return at the most important time of the season.