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Aaron Judge likely misses Yankees AL Wild Card series

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 11:42 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Boone Says Judge Out

Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that Aaron Judge will likely miss the AL Wild Card series.
Boone said Judge suffered a moderate calf strain and received a platelet-poor plasma injection on Monday.
Judge was placed on the 10-day injured list on September 19 after exiting a September 16 game versus Minnesota.
Boone plans a left-handed heavy lineup featuring Heliot Ramos and Cody Bellinger in the outfield.

Summary

Judge Skips Rehab

Aaron Judge returned to the Yankees’ major-league roster, skipping a traditional minor-league rehab assignment.
He posted a .500 (13-for-26) postseason average after a .184 (9-for-49) regular season in 2024.
Judge was eligible for activation on September 27, the regular-season finale.
The Yankees could sacrifice designated-hitter Luis Garcia Jr. for Judge’s spot.
Spencer Jones posted a 1.177 OPS against left-handed pitching, providing a power option if Judge misses games.

History

Historical Context

MLB shortened the standard injured list for position players from 15 to 10 days in 2017, a move that lets clubs quickly replace sidelined stars. The league also added a 7-day concussion list in 2011. When Aaron Judge landed on the 10-day IL on September 19, 2024, manager Aaron Boone could activate him or call up Luis García Jr., keeping the Yankees’ postseason hopes alive.

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Boone Says Judge Out

Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that Aaron Judge will likely miss the AL Wild Card series.
Boone said Judge suffered a moderate calf strain and received a platelet-poor plasma injection on Monday.
Judge was placed on the 10-day injured list on September 19 after exiting a September 16 game versus Minnesota.
Boone plans a left-handed heavy lineup featuring Heliot Ramos and Cody Bellinger in the outfield.

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