After a right calf strain sidelined him since Sept. 16, Yankees captain Aaron Judge did on-field hitting at the Somerset Double-A park while New York begins wild-card play. The team says his postseason availability remains uncertain.
Aaron Judge visited the Yankees’ Double-A park in Somerset, N.J., for live batting practice while rehabbing a strained right calf sustained Sept. 16.
Manager Aaron Boone called Judge’s potential availability for a subsequent Division Series “probably too early to tell.”
# What happened
Judge was not on the Yankees' roster for the American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox. He did not join his teammates on the field for pregame introductions in Game 1, which the Yankees won 9-0. Manager Aaron Boone said Judge was getting treatment at the time.
On the day after Game 1, Judge ran in the outfield and later hit at the Double-A ballpark. He returned to Yankee Stadium to watch Game 2.
# Where this leaves the Yankees
With New York advancing, the next series would be a best-of-five Division Series beginning Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays if the Yankees move on. Boone described Judge's availability for that series as "probably too early to tell." No firm timeline was given for when Judge might face live pitching against big-league opponents or be cleared for game action.
Judge appeared in 66 games during the regular season and compiled a.241 batting average with 18 home runs, 41 RBIs and an.871 OPS. His September numbers were limited: a.174 average with one homer and three RBIs.
# Related roster and injury notes
# What to watch next
# Why this matters now
# Bottom line
Judge has taken on-field swings in a controlled environment and continues rehabilitation work, but the Yankees have given no firm indication he will be available for immediate postseason play. Manager Aaron Boone described Judge's status for a potential Division Series as uncertain, leaving the club and its fans waiting for further medical progress or a leap to live pitching against major-league hitters.
Yankees' Aaron Judge Takes Swings in Double-A Park, Eyes Postseason Return
Judge is not expected to have a chance to face live pitching until the Yankees return home on Monday.
Aaron Judge increased hitting work as the Yankees eye a possible return next week.
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge offered some details on his calf strain ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Diamondbacks. The three-time MVP told reporters he’s dealing with an injury to the soleus muscle in his calf, which he described as “a little more crucial with running and hitting and all those kinds of things
Judge, 34, was playing in his seventh game since returning from a 99-day absence due to a stress fracture in his first right rib.
After missing 84 games, Judge has finally been cleared to return to the New York Yankees' lineup.
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