The Yankees are staring down Game 1 of their Wild Card Series clash with the Red Sox on Tuesday night, and they’ve still got no idea if back-to-back AL MVP Aaron Judge will even be on the roster. Seriously, how is this even happening right before a huge series like this?
The “Progress” Report on Judge
Judge has been chilling on the injured list since September 16, battling a calf strain. We all know how sneaky those can be, right? But here’s the kicker: there’s a real shot he could be activated in time to face Boston. Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Monday that Judge is “making progress” after taking some swings in the batting cage just yesterday, on Sunday. Sounds good, but Boone also pointed out that no roster determination has been made yet. The next checkpoint? He might take live batting practice later Monday, which would be a massive step. Boone’s just watching and waiting, saying, “We’ll listen to the trainers and medical, and see where we’re at.” It’s like everyone’s holding their breath, waiting for the green light that just won’t flash.
Why Judge’s Return Is So Damn Crucial
Look, Judge, who’s 34 now, hasn’t had his usual MVP-caliber season in 2026. He’s been productive, sure, when he’s actually healthy, but it’s been a ride. He missed three months earlier this year with a rib fracture. Talk about bad luck! Still, when he’s out there, he brings it: a .241 batting average, 45 runs, 18 homers, 41 RBIs, and 5 stolen bases. That’s good for an OPS+ of 140, meaning his offense is a hefty 40 percent better than the average hitter. The Yankees’ offense, currently tied for ninth in MLB in runs scored and 11th in OPS, is solid. But “solid” ain’t gonna cut it against a strong Red Sox rotation in October baseball. Without Judge, that lineup depth after Ben Rice, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt just isn’t there. It’s thin! The difference is clear: the Yankees are 41-25 (.621) with Judge in the lineup, but a respectable, but definitely worse, 52-43 (.547) when he’s not. Even a slightly hobbled Judge would be a game-changer for them.
What’s Next for the Yankees and Judge?
So, what are we looking at? The Yankees face their rivals, the Red Sox, with their superstar slugger’s status still a giant question mark. Every swing, every report, every word from Boone is going to be under a microscope. Can Judge get cleared in time to make a difference in this Wild Card Series? This isn’t just about getting a bat back; it’s about getting *that* bat back. The entire series could pivot on whether Judge is healthy enough to step into the box. Tuesday night is Game 1, and the clock is ticking. You know everyone’s gonna be glued to their screens, waiting to see if #99 trots out there.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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