Overview
- Judge was diagnosed with a right soleus (calf) strain after an MRI and received a platelet‑poor plasma injection as he was placed on the injured list, and the team has treated him conservatively while tracking his progress.
- Manager Aaron Boone said the Yankees are planning on Judge not being part of the Wild Card roster, though he has not ruled out a late clearance and insiders have described cautious optimism about a possible return.
- Judge publicly pushed back on Boone’s 'moderate' description and said his goal is to be available, emphasizing that he is working daily to get back onto the field.
- Giancarlo Stanton has been taking live at‑bats in rehab and is 'knocking on the door' of being available, with the Yankees likely to consider him only in a limited, pinch‑hit role if he’s cleared.
- With three regular‑season games left the Yankees are prioritizing rest, bullpen usage and starter workloads to set a Wild Card roster that balances medical risk, matchup needs and bench depth.