Aaron Judge He is not yet willing to watch the start of the postseason from outside. Less than two days from Game 1 of the Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees captain continues to try to show that his right calf can respond and that there is a chance to include him on the roster.
Judge made it clear this Monday that he has been trying to convince the medical body and the organization that he can play. At the same time, he conveyed a strong confidence in the group that New York will take to October, assuring that he likes the possibilities of the Yankees against any rival.
However, the captain's wish will not be the only factor that will determine the decision. Aaron Boone reiterated that the club will listen to the recommendations of the medical staff before defining whether Judge will be available for the series that begins on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium.
Aaron Judge keeps trying to convince the Yankees
Judge has not hidden his intention since he suffered the strain in his right calf. His goal has always been to return in time for the postseason and, as the first match against Boston approaches, he continues to press for authorization.
The captain acknowledged that he has had to do a lot of convincing work and that he plans to continue doing so. He also made it clear that, although everyone will act cautiously, within the organization they know how much they want to be available, especially for the first Wild Card meeting.
The final decision, however, belongs to the Yankees. Judge can express how she feels and show what she can do in training, but the team will have to decide if the risk of activating it so soon after a moderate injury compensates what it could contribute during a series to the best of three.
Judge returns to perform baseball activities
The evolution of the last days offers at least one more positive signal than the one that existed during the weekend.
Boone confirmed that Judge batted and launched indoor launches on Sunday. The next scheduled step was to participate in a live batting session, a test much closer to the real demands you will find if you face Boston pitching.
The main question continues to be mobility. An injury to the soleus muscle does not only affect the ability to run at maximum speed. It also intervenes when a player leaves the batting box, brakes, changes direction or generates strength from the legs during the swing.
Until this Monday, Judge still had to prove that he could complete those actions safely to convince the medical staff that he was ready to compete.
The Yankees have not yet made a decision on the roster
Aaron Boone has maintained a prudent stance since Judge returned to the injured list.
Last week, the leader recognized that the team was initially organizing its plans as if it were not going to have the captain available for the Wild Card. As the days go by, however, Judge has progressed enough to keep the conversation open.
This Monday, Boone again avoided confirmation. The manager explained that New York will continue to observe how Judge responds and will listen to the medical staff before making the final decision.
Therefore, claiming that Judge will play on Tuesday would still be premature. There is a real possibility, but there are also physical tests that can determine whether or not it appears on the roster.
Judge also wants to return to right field
The captain's intent is not limited to simply occupying a shift as a designated hitter.
Judge has previously explained that he wants to recover the ability to play in the right field, because he considers that this configuration allows the Yankees to use a more complete lineup.
Ben Rice He has established himself as one of the team's best hitters and can occupy the position of designated hitter, while Luis Garcia Jr. and Paul Goldschmidt They offer alternatives at first base.
If Judge can defend the garden, Boone wouldn't have to remove one of those batters just to place the captain as designee. But playing defense also represents a much higher physical demand for a calf that is still in the process of recovery.
Judge sees a team prepared to compete with anyone
Beyond his personal situation, Judge also talked about what he sees in the rest of the roster.
The captain considers that several players are reaching a good level precisely when the most important stage of the season begins. He especially pointed out the depth of the pitching and the ability of the team to deliver advantages to the group of relievers.
His confidence was summed up in a clear idea: he likes the possibilities of the Yankees against any team.
It does not mean that New York is guaranteed to move forward. Boston arrives with his own arguments and a series of three games can change with a single bad input. But Judge's words show how he perceives the moment of the team and also explains why he is trying to return so insistently.
Rotation increases the confidence of the Yankees
Cam Schlittler He will open Game 1 after finishing an extraordinary season with a 1.95 ERA. Max Fried will receive the ball in the second match and Gerrit Cole You are ready for a possible game 3.
Carlos Rodon It can also be used from the bullpen during this first round, offering Boone another arm used to working multiple inputs.
That depth is one of the reasons Judge believes that the Yankees have the ability to compete against any rival. New York can start every game with a high-level opener and still retain important alternatives for intermediate tickets.
The clock runs before game 1 against Boston
The Wild Card series will start Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees will have to present a definitive roster before the match.
That leaves little time to evaluate Judge.
The captain will do everything he can to prove he is ready. The doctors will evaluate the calf response and Boone will have to decide whether the benefit of having it available outweighs the risk of haste his return.
Judge has already made his position clear: he wants to be on the field from the first game and fully trusts the possibilities of these Yankees.
Now you need to know the most important part: if your body and medical staff are also prepared to say yes.