Full Breakdown
Aaron Judge’s Return Powers Yankees to Record 61st Postseason Berth
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Judge’s First Home Run Since May 24 Sparks Clinch
On September 14, 2026, Aaron Judge hit a three-run homer off Minnesota Twins left-hander A.J. Minter in the eighth inning of an 8-3 win at Target Field. The blast gave New York a 7-2 lead and secured the franchise’s record 61st postseason berth, the ninth in ten seasons.
Background & Context
Judge missed 84 games after a fractured right rib, placed on the injured list on May 31 following a month of playing through rib and shoulder discomfort. He returned to the lineup later in the month. While Judge was absent, the Yankees averaged 4.06 runs per game, hit .227 as a team with a .681 OPS. With Judge in the lineup for 59 games earlier in the season, the club averaged 5.17 runs per game, hit .243 with a .770 OPS, underscoring his offensive impact.
Data & Statistics
- First home run since May 24, 2026.
- Season totals at the time of the clinch: 18 home runs in 65 games for Judge; Yankees record 87-63.
- The team closed within 3½ games of AL East leader Tampa Bay Rays (90-59) and held a five-game lead over the Boston Red Sox for the top wild-card spot.
- Pitching staff highlights: Cam Schlittler led the majors with a 1.95 ERA; Will Warren allowed no earned runs in 5 2/3 innings against the Twins.
Official Statements & Responses
Pitcher Will Warren described the outing as “what we’re expected to do” and emphasized the need to “push the needle” heading into the postseason.
Spencer Jones highlighted the team’s grit, saying the group’s adversity had strengthened them.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's exciting to be in this position. You don't get to do it too many times. We know the ultimate goal,” — Aaron Judge
- “The group we have, you get us in there and anything can happen," Judge said.” — Aaron Judge
- “We’ve been through a lot this year with injuries, just with adversity,” — Aaron Boone, yankees manager
- “It’s an uphill battle, without question,” — Aaron Boone, yankees manager
- “There’s a lot of grit in this team,” — Judge. The Yankees
- “You work very hard to get that opportunity to go to postseason,” — Aaron Boone, yankees manager
On-the-Ground Reports
After the victory, teammates sprayed beer and sparkling wine in the visitors’ clubhouse at Target Field. Judge celebrated with teammates, describing the win as another “comeback” and noting the “grit” of the squad.
What’s Next
The Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays for a four-game series later in the month, aiming to overtake the division lead. A wild-card series against the Boston Red Sox is scheduled to start later in the month, should the Yankees retain the top wild-card position.
