Sep 23, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees injured right fielder Aaron Judge (99) watches from the dugout during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Under normal circumstances, the moderate strain of Aaron Judge’s right calf would hold the Yankees captain out for three weeks, but the slugger is trying to push his way back ahead of schedule to be a part of his team’s AL Wild Card Series roster against the Boston Red Sox, which begins on Tuesday night in the Bronx.
“I’ve been doing a lot of convincing,” Judge said on Monday. “I’m going to keep doing that.”
After being limited throughout the last week to plyos and some weight-room work, Judge hit and threw indoors on Sunday. During Monday’s Wild Card Series practice day, he took live BP outside at Yankee Stadium, walking twice, striking out looking, and grounding out to the mound against Elmer Rodriguez and Ryan Weathers.
That’s not going to inspire much confidence, especially when there are still major question marks about him running. Almost any other player would have been shut down by now, but the Yankees are doing right by Judge by at least entertaining this — even if the risks are significant.
Still, Judge implores that he’s “feeling great,” and that he would serve as New York’s right fielder rather than its designated hitter, which would go a long way in preserving him.
“I’m not ruling out anything until we get there,” Judge said. “I’m trying to come back as an outfielder. I think that helps our team the most. But however they see me fit in the best, I’m going to try to do that.”
The Yankees are clearly waiting for the last minute to make a call on their talisman. First pitch is set for 8 p.m. ET.
“He’s making progress,” Boone said. “We’ll continue to see where he’s at.”
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