Aaron Judge Aims to Be Ready for AL Wild Card Series Opener

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  Jorge CastilloSep 23, 2026, 06:04 PM ET

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  ESPN baseball reporter. Covered the Washington Wizards from 2014 to 2016 and the Washington Nationals from 2016 to 2018 for The Washington Post before covering the Los Angeles Dodgers and MLB for the Los Angeles Times from 2018 to 2024.

NEW YORK — Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge remains determined to be ready for the opening game of the postseason.

The three‑time MVP said on Wednesday that he plans to be available for Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium next Tuesday.

“That’s the plan,” Judge remarked before New York’s 9‑2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. “I’m working to get my body prepared so I can play.”

The 34‑year‑old outfielder was placed on the injured list on Saturday after a right calf strain suffered three days earlier. He identified the issue as a soleus‑muscle strain, noting its importance for running and hitting. Judge said he received a PPP injection on Monday and is awaiting clearance to resume leg‑involving activities. Although he could be activated for the season’s final game on Sunday, he said he will not be rushed back before the playoffs.

On Tuesday, after Judge and the organization declined to detail the injury’s severity, Yankees manager Aaron Boone described it as a “moderate‑grade” strain. He said he does not anticipate Judge being available for the Wild Card opener, but he did not completely dismiss the possibility.

After Wednesday’s game, Boone said he remains open to the idea of Judge being cleared for the postseason opener.

“Like I said, I’m not ruling anything out,” Boone added. “We’re just a few days away from that decision. I’m not leaning one way or the other; we’ll monitor his recovery and act accordingly if he’s ready.”

Judge noted that he has spoken with team officials about his prognosis, which remains private, adding that he cannot control external commentary on the matter.

When asked by reporters after Wednesday’s victory whether a return from a moderate‑grade strain by Tuesday is realistic, Judge replied:

“Everyone’s idea of ‘moderate’ varies,” he said. “What’s moderate for one person may differ for another, so I’m not sure why that term was used. As I’ve said, I’m focused on getting back as quickly as I can.”

He said the injury occurred during the Yankees’ 5‑4 loss to the Minnesota Twins on September 16, in his seventh game back after missing more than three months with a fractured rib. Initially, both Judge and the club hoped it was minor, but an MRI performed on Thursday confirmed the strain.

Since returning from the fractured rib without a rehabilitation assignment, Judge has gone 4‑for‑23 with 13 strikeouts, one walk and one home run in 24 plate appearances. Across 66 games this season — including more than a month playing with the rib injury — he owns a .241 batting average, 18 home runs and an .871 OPS.

Following Wednesday’s victory, Judge acknowledged the risk of rushing back in October for a shot at his first World Series with a team that holds the American League’s second‑best record despite his limited availability.

He added, “I weigh it this way: we have a talented squad and a real chance ahead. The future isn’t guaranteed either way; my role is to do everything I can to return, and right now things feel promising.”

With Judge in the lineup, New York has posted a 41‑25 record and averaged 5.12 runs per game this season. Without him, the Yankees stand at 49‑42 with a 4.15‑run average heading into Wednesday’s contest. They are expected to meet the Boston Red Sox in the AL Wild Card Series for the second straight year, having swept the Red Sox in three games last October when Judge was playing.

New York has qualified for the playoffs in eight of Judge’s first nine full seasons, and he has appeared in every game — 65 total — during those campaigns. Last postseason, he delivered his strongest performance, hitting 13‑for‑26 with a home run and a 1.273 OPS over seven games before the Yankees fell to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS.

“The Bronx feels magical in October,” Judge said. “Even though we fell short last year, the wild‑card series against Boston was exciting and the subsequent matchup with the Blue Jays was challenging. I simply don’t want to pass up another chance to compete.”

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