Aaron Judge Holds Batting Practice as He Pushes for Yankees’ Wild-Card Roster Spot Against Red Sox

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  Jorge CastilloSep 28, 2026, 05:09 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.

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NEW YORK — With just over 24 hours until first pitch, Yankees star Aaron Judge took part in batting practice on the field and recorded live at‑bats Monday for the first time since sustaining a right‑calf strain on September 16, as he attempts to convince the organization to place him on the wild‑card roster set to face the Boston Red Sox.

“I’ve been doing a lot of convincing,” Judge said before his on‑field work. “I feel like I’ll keep doing that, but the most important thing is ensuring I’m healthy and ready for the long stretch ahead. We have another month of baseball to play, and I want to be prepared for the journey. Everyone will be smart, but I know they see my desire to be out there, especially for the opener.”

Game 1 between the Yankees and Red Sox, a rematch of last year’s wild‑card series, is set for 8 p.m. Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. Both clubs must submit their rosters by 10 a.m. The Yankees face several roster questions, including whether to include Giancarlo Stanton and Ryan Weathers.

However, the most significant question remains whether Judge will be among the 26 players selected.

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On Wednesday, manager Aaron Boone characterized Judge’s injury as a “moderate‑grade” strain. He acknowledged that the club is preparing for the possibility that Judge may miss the series, yet he has not ruled out his participation and has kept the option open in recent days.

Judge, meanwhile, has remained firm in his intention to be available for the postseason’s opening games. Obstacles persist. In addition to his batting work, Judge noted that his running has been restricted to an antigravity treadmill; he has not yet run the bases but hopes to do so outdoors on Monday. While Judge said he would prefer to return to right field — a move he believes would benefit the team — Boone indicated he is uncertain whether that is feasible.

At 34, Judge acknowledged that playing through the injury carries risk, noting it is a strain of the soleus muscle in his calf and could potentially lead to an Achilles issue.

“Guys take risks every single day,” Judge said. “I know many teammates are dealing with their own issues, so I understand the risks involved. I’m prepared for them.”

In a notable step toward a possible return this week, Judge took the field for batting practice just after 5 p.m. Monday. He completed several rounds of swings and launched a home run to left‑center field on the final pitch he faced.

He then recorded four at‑bats against Yankees pitchers — one versus left‑hander Ryan Weathers and three against right‑hander Elmer Rodriguez. In his first plate appearance against Rodriguez, Judge drew a six‑pitch walk without swinging. In his second at‑bat versus Weathers, he again walked on six pitches, this time swinging and missing on a pitch. He took a ball before hitting a grounder back to Rodriguez in his third at‑bat, and Rodriguez struck him out looking on the final pitch. Judge did not swing at any of the six pitches in his last plate appearance.

A year earlier, after his third MVP award, discussions centered on Judge’s injured right elbow and his throwing ability heading into the postseason, but his availability was never in doubt.

He started in right field and batted second in all three games of the Yankees’ wild‑card series win over Boston, recording two hits in each of the first two contests. He then produced the best postseason performance of his career, going 13‑for‑26 with two doubles, a home run, and a 1.273 OPS before the Yankees fell to the Toronto Blue Jays in four games of the American League Division Series.

This marks Judge’s eighth postseason appearance since his MLB debut in 2016. He has appeared in a World Series once, and the franchise has not won a championship since its 27th title in 2009.

“The biggest thing is recognizing how limited my time as a Yankee and a baseball player truly is,” Judge said. “Ten years have passed since my debut, and I’m keenly aware of how quickly time moves.”

The Yankees finished the season with 93 wins, despite Judge appearing in only 66 games while the pitching staff posted the league’s lowest ERA. He played through a fractured rib for more than a month before being sidelined for over three months with the calf injury. The strain occurred in his seventh game back, during which he went 4‑for‑23 with 13 strikeouts, one walk and a home run in 24 plate appearances.

Overall, he batted .241 with 18 home runs and an .871 OPS. The regular season proved frustrating, and he hopes the postseason will yield a different outcome.

“I’d give anything to be out there,” Judge said, “and battle alongside my teammates.”

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