Aaron Judge He is not yet willing to end his career against time. A few days before the start of the postseason, the Yankees captain maintains the goal of being available for Game 1 of the American League Wild Card series at Yankee Stadium.
The possibility is still open, but there is no definitive confirmation yet. Judge continues to recover from a right calf strain and the Yankees prefer to watch how he responds physically over the next few days before making a decision on his roster inclusion.
Judge himself has made it clear that he wants to return as soon as possible. His intention is to prepare the body to be able to play when the postseason begins, although he understands that the recovery from the injury will determine if that goal can become a reality.
Aaron Judge keeps Game 1 targeted
Judge suffered the injury on September 16 during the series against the Minnesota Twins, just days after returning from a prolonged absence from a stress fracture in a right rib.
An MRI confirmed subsequently the strain in the right calf's soleus muscle, an especially important area for movements such as running, turning and generating force during swing.
The Yankees placed Judge on the 10-day retroactive effect list as of September 17. The captain also received a platelet-poor plasma injection as part of the treatment and has had a limited load of activities as the recovery process continues.
Despite the little time available, Judge insists that his goal is still ready for the start of the wild card. The series is scheduled to start on Tuesday, September 29 in the Bronx.
Aaron Boone does not close the door on his return
Aaron Boone's posture has been more cautious. The leader described the injury as a moderate-grade strain and had previously recognized that the Yankees were preparing their plans as if Judge might not be available for the first round.
However, Boone has also made it clear that he is not ruling out any possibility.
The decision will depend on the evolution of the player. If Judge shows sufficient progress and is given medical authorization to compete without compromising on recovery, the Yankees will naturally consider including it on the Wild Card roster.
New York has no need to make an immediate decision. The next few days will allow the medical staff to evaluate the calf response as Judge progressively increases their activities.
Judge wants to return as a right fielder
Another important element is the role that Judge intends to play if he manages to return. The captain has indicated that his intention is not just to bat, but to return to the right field when he is physically prepared.
For the Yankees, having a judge in defense would allow for greater flexibility in the construction of the alignment. However, first you will have to show that you can run, brake and move without the calf posing a significant risk.
The team must find a balance between the natural urgency of the postseason and the need to avoid a relapse. A series of Wild Cards to the best of three leaves very little margin of error, but also requires that the players included in the roster can physically respond from the first game.
A season marked by injuries for Judge
The new injury came after Judge spent more than three months out of action due to a fracture in a right rib. The gardener returned in September without making a rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues, but he was barely able to play seven games before the new setback.
In that brief period after returning, Judge hit four hits in 23 official shifts, including a home run.
In the season's total, the captain records .241 average, .360 on-base percentage and .511 slugging, with 18 home runs and 41 RBIs in 66 games.
His absence has forced the Yankees to find production at other points in the lineup. Ben Rice, Cody Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm Jr. And other players have had to take more offensive responsibility during the periods without the captain.
The Yankees wait before making the final decision
Judge will not be available during the last regular season series vs. Baltimore. The real target is now placed in the Wild Card series.
Time is limited, but the door still remains open. Judge wants to play, Boone has not ruled out that possibility and the Yankees will continue to daily follow the evolution of the injury.
The final decision will probably come much closer to the start of the series. Until then, New York will have to prepare for both scenarios: start the postseason with its captain on the lineup or compete again without its main batter.
For Judge, the goal is clear. He wants to be on the ground again when October arrives at the Yankee Stadium. Now it will be your body to determine if you can get it.