Aaron Judge was not in the Yankees’ first-base-line introductions before Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, but manager Aaron Boone said there was no new setback. The Yankees captain was undergoing treatment after his pregame field work as he continues to recover from a moderate right calf strain.
Judge’s postseason status
| Item | Update |
|---|---|
| Injury date | Sept. 16, against the Twins |
| Wild Card roster | Not included on the 26-man roster |
| Game 2 | Scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock |
| Possible next roster decision | Potential AL Division Series against the Rays |
The missing introduction drew attention because Judge has been pushing to regain his spot, including what he described as considerable private lobbying. But Boone said the captain simply was getting treatment and that other injured Yankees also did not take part in the ceremony.
Judge took live batting practice during Monday’s workout, then ran in right field before Tuesday’s opener. It marked his first on-field running work since the calf injury. As he left the field, Judge declined a longer conversation with reporters, saying only that he still had work ahead.
More live work in Somerset
Boone said Judge went to the Double-A Somerset Patriots’ home park on Wednesday for additional live at-bats. Luis Gil and Eli Morgan were among the pitchers involved in the session, and Boone expected Judge to rejoin the Yankees in New York for Game 2.
The club has not closed the door on activating Judge if it reaches the AL Division Series against Tampa Bay. Boone noted that the artificial surface at Tropicana Field could matter when the Yankees weigh that decision.
Boone said Judge’s live session was an encouraging step because it required clearance from the training and strength staffs, not merely a willingness to step into the box. In the roughly two weeks since the injury, Boone said, Judge has made meaningful progress. The Yankees hope to have enough information within the next few days to decide whether he can return.
The captain remains in the room
Though he is inactive for the Wild Card Series, Judge has remained visible around the club. Yankees first baseman Luis García Jr. said the captain has continued to attend meetings and spend time around the batting cage and dugout.
García said Judge’s constant presence makes it difficult to feel as though he is absent from the roster, adding that the example explains why Judge holds the captain’s role in the clubhouse.
