New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone says the club is evaluating whether captain Aaron Judge will be ready for the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Following a decisive wild card series sweep over the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees are weighing their roster options as they prepare for Saturday’s Game 1. Boone indicated that the team is “looking at the days” leading up to the opener to determine the availability of the three-time MVP.
Judge has been actively participating in live batting practice to test his fitness. The star slugger was sidelined during the wild card series due to a calf strain, an injury that interrupted his return from a nearly three-month absence caused by a rib issue. Before his latest setback, Judge had maintained a.241 batting average, contributing 18 home runs, 57 hits, and 41 RBIs this season.
The potential return of the Yankees captain has sparked debate, with MLB analyst Ken Rosenthal questioning whether Judge is physically prepared for defensive duties in the outfield. There is also uncertainty regarding whether utilizing him primarily at the plate would be sufficient for the team’s needs in the division series. The Yankees offense proved resilient in his absence, scoring nine runs in each of their two wild card victories behind strong performances from Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger.
Pitching remains a central pillar of the Yankees’ strategy as they transition into the next round. While Cam Schlittler and Max Fried effectively shut down the Red Sox offense during the wild card games, the team will turn to former Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole to start on the mound for the ALDS Game 1 showdown against the Rays.
