Aaron Judge Not Expected to Play in Wild Card Series With Calf Strain

UPDATE: Aaron Judge is not on the Yankees Wild Card roster

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge pushed back on manager Aaron Boone's public comments about his right calf injury as questions remain about whether he could return for the American League Wild Card Series.

Boone said Tuesday that the Yankees are planning to be without Judge for the Wild Card Series as he recovers from what the manager described as a “moderate” right calf strain. However, New York has not officially ruled Judge out.

After Wednesday's win over the Tampa Bay Rays, Judge questioned Boone's characterization of the injury.

“I don't know why he used those words,” Judge said when asked about Boone describing the calf strain as moderate.

Will Aaron Judge Play in the Wild Card Series?

Boone said Tuesday that the Yankees are preparing as though Judge will not be available for the Wild Card Series.

“We're planning on him not being a part of that,” Boone said.

However, Boone did not completely rule out Judge recovering in time to play, leaving his postseason availability uncertain.

Judge was placed on the injured list with a right calf strain Friday, two days after exiting a game against the Minnesota Twins.

Aaron Judge's Injury-Plagued 2026 Season

Judge has missed more than 90 days this season between a fractured right rib and his subsequent right calf strain.

The Yankees have gone 45-39 without Judge, who is batting .241 with 18 home runs, 41 RBIs and an .871 OPS this season.

For now, New York is preparing to begin the Wild Card Series without Judge, but his status has not been officially ruled out.