Aaron Judge says he’s ready for Game 1 of the AL Wild Card series, but his own manager, Aaron Boone, is reportedly planning to be without him. Just under a week before the MLB postseason kicks off, the Yankees’ premiere slugger landed on the IL this past Saturday with a right calf strain, throwing a massive wrench into his postseason availability after he’d only just returned from a long-term injury. This clash of expectations has everyone wondering what’s truly going on with the 34-year-old as October baseball looms.
Judge’s “Plan” Vs. Boone’s “Moderate” Reality Check
The news that Judge was back on the Injured List following an exit from a Twins matchup likely means his regular season is over, but the bigger question for Yankees fans became his playoff status. Yet, Judge himself wasn’t about to throw in the towel. According to ESPN, Judge was “unwilling to giving up on being ready” for the Wild Card series. He’s got his sights locked on Game 1 next Tuesday, declaring, “That’s what the plan is. Try to get my body ready so I’m ready to go.” That’s the kind of fighting spirit fans love to hear, right? It signals he’s putting in the work and aiming for that field.
But here’s where things get interesting, because Boone had a completely different vibe on Tuesday. When ESPN asked if the Yankees were expecting their superstar slugger back for the start of the postseason, Boone dropped a bombshell: “We’re planning on him not being a part of that.” He straight up said Judge has a “moderate grade” strain, and even mentioned a PPP injection. Talk about pouring cold water on the fan base’s hopes! Even after Wednesday’s game, Boone reiterated he’s “not ruling anything out” but also didn’t exactly radiate optimism. He just said they’ve “got days away” and they’re going to “listen to the body and see how he heals.” This back-and-forth from the skipper definitely adds a layer of uncertainty for the Bronx Bombers.
Judge Pushes Back On Boone’s Call
So, what does Judge think about Boone classifying his injury as “moderate”? He’s clearly not on the same page. ESPN reported Judge struck a much different tone, saying he’s had conversations with the team’s decision-makers about his prognosis. He basically shrugged off Boone’s public comments, stating, “I can’t control what people say.” Then he went even further, questioning the word choice itself. “Everybody’s moderate is a little different,” Judge pointed out, adding, “Your moderate is a little different than my moderate, so on and so on. So, I don’t know why he used those words. But, like I said, I’m trying to get back as soon as I can.” That’s a pretty bold move to openly question your manager’s public assessment of your own injury! It shows just how badly Judge wants to be out there.
Judge did acknowledge the risk of re-injury, saying he doesn’t want to rush back too quickly. But the lure of October baseball is clearly strong for him. He noted that “the Bronx is a magical place in October,” and it’s something he absolutely doesn’t want to miss. He’s weighing that personal risk against what he sees as “a great team” and a “great opportunity” for the Yankees. With Game 1 of the AL Wild Card series set for Tuesday, every day counts, and this drama is far from over. Fans are just gonna have to hold their breath and see if Judge’s “plan” can overcome Boone’s “moderate” concerns.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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