The Yankees will have to get past the hated Red Sox without the two-time reigning AL MVP.
According to Jack Curry of the YES Network, Aaron Judge will not be on New York's roster for the Wild Card Series, which kicks off Tuesday night in the Bronx. Judge, working his way back from what Aaron Boone called a "moderate" calf strain, took live BP on the field against Elmer Rodriguez during the Yankees' team workout on Monday, but he did not show enough to make the coaching and training staff believe he was ready for game action.
Judge was barely back a week from missing two-plus months with a stress fracture in his rib when he injured the calf, removing himself from a game in Minnesota. At the time, Judge told reporters it was a discomfort he typically played through, but wanted to use caution given how briefly he had been back in the lineup. He has not played in a game since, nor has he done any running of the bases or outfield work.
Judge and Boone had some differences in opinion through the media in regards to the extent of Judge's injury and his ability to play, but in the end, the team captain will have to wait until at least the ALDS to suit up, should the Yankees make it that far.
With Judge out of the running, the Yankees will likely deploy an outfield of Heliot Ramos in right, Spencer Jones in center, and Cody Bellinger in left, with Ben Rice likely handling DH duties in games one and three (if necessary). Paul Goldschmidt figures to get the start at first base when the Yanks face a lefty starter, as is expected for Tuesday's series opener and a potential do-or-die game three.
This will be the first time in Judge's career that Judge will miss a playoff game due to injury.
The Yanks will have to beat Boston without their MVP.
The Yanks will have to beat Boston without their MVP.
