Story perspectives

Rays Take 2-0 ALDS Lead as Judge Misses

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 2:16 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Yankees fell behind 0-2 in the ALDS against the Rays.
Aaron Judge missed the series because of a right-calf soleus strain suffered on Sept. 16.
Rays ace Drew Rasmussen struck out ten and kept a no-hit bid into the eighth inning of Game 1.
Max Fried will start Game 3 on Wednesday in the Bronx to keep the series alive.

History

Historical Context

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox erased a 0-3 deficit in the ALCS, clinching the series in Game 7 and ending the Curse of the Bambino. Manager Terry Francona’s rotation, featuring Curt Schilling’s 15-strikeout performance on October 20, contributed to the Red Sox’s 4-0 comeback, the first in MLB history. Similarly, the 2024 Yankees now trail 0-2 to the Rays, with Aaron Judge sidelined by a calf strain and Drew Rasmussen dominating early innings. If the Yankees replicate the 2004 turnaround, Max Fried’s Game 3 start could spark a historic comeback, reshaping postseason narratives.

1 of 2

Story summary

Yankees fell behind 0-2 in the ALDS against the Rays.
Aaron Judge missed the series because of a right-calf soleus strain suffered on Sept. 16.
Rays ace Drew Rasmussen struck out ten and kept a no-hit bid into the eighth inning of Game 1.
Max Fried will start Game 3 on Wednesday in the Bronx to keep the series alive.

1 / 2