As Aaron Judge tries to speed up his recovery to be available in the Wild Card series, a well-respected voice within the recent Yankees story has raised a cautionary stance.
CC Sabathia believes that the captain of New York should not rush to return only because of the proximity of the postseason. The ex-launcher knows first-hand the physical wear and tear that a long run can leave and understands that forcing the body when it is not yet fully prepared can have consequences beyond a single series.
Sabathia's opinion appears at a time when Judge keeps open the possibility of returning for the start of the playoffs, although the Yankees have not yet guaranteed that they will be part of the roster of the first round.
Sabathia bets on protecting Judge's health
Sabathia knows perfectly well the pressure that exists around the Yankees when October arrives. During his time in New York he launched multiple postseason matches and was one of the main pieces of the 2009 championship.
Precisely because of having experienced such situations, the ex-or understands that the urgency to compete should not always be placed above the player's physical condition.
His message around Judge focuses on not sacrificing long-term recovery by trying to return a few days before. Sabathia has spoken on different occasions about the impact that years of competition left on her body and considers it important that players also think about their health beyond the immediate moment.
In the case of Judge, the concern becomes even more important because the injury affects the right calf, a necessary area both to run and to generate strength during the swing.
Judge still maintains the intention to play the wild card
Despite the uncertainty, Judge has not given up the possibility of being available when the postseason begins.
The captain was placed on the injured list due to a strain in the soleus muscle of the right calf and has made it clear that his goal is to prepare the body to return as soon as possible.
The earliest date on which it could be activated coincides practically with the end of the regular season, leaving very little margin before the start of the Wild Card series.
Judge comes in addition to another prolonged absence. The gardener spent a good part of the summer out of action due to a stress fracture in a right rib and had barely returned to the lineup before suffering the new physical problem.
The Yankees still do not guarantee their availability
Aaron Boone has avoided committing to a specific date for the captain's return.
The leader has recognized that the team must prepare for the possibility of starting the Wild Card without Judge, although it has not completely closed the door for it to be available if it responds well during the next few days.
The decision will be especially delicate because, if the Yankees include Judge on the first round roster, they need to have enough confidence that they can contribute without exposing themselves to an immediate relapse.
There is also the other scenario: keep him out of the wild card, get over the series without him and give him extra days of recovery before a possible divisional series.
A decision that goes beyond a single party
Judge's presence completely changes the lineup of the Yankees. Its power, ability to reach base and presence at the center of the offensive order are difficult to replace, especially in a short series.
However, the question is not only if Judge can enter the field. New York needs to know if it can run, hit and defend without enough limitations to compete in a highly demanding scenario.
That's where Sabathia's message becomes relevant. The postseason generates pressure to return as soon as possible, but the risk of exacerbating an injury can also end up leaving the team without its captain for a much larger part of October.
Judge and the Yankees will have to decide how much risk they take
The next few days will be decisive. Judge will continue to work with medical staff as the Yankees watch as the calf responds as the intensity of their activities increases.
His intention to play is clear. So is the importance it has for the New York offensive.
What remains to be determined is if your body will be prepared to accompany that desire.
Sabathia, from the experience of having taken his physique to the limit for years in the Major Leagues, raises a simple idea: October is important, but returning early can turn a manageable injury into a much bigger problem.