The Yankees announced Friday that superstar Aaron Judge will be placed on the 10-day injured list, effective Saturday. The three-time MVP exited a game in the middle of the contest two days prior due to a right calf strain. This marks the second stint on the injured list for Judge during the season, following a wrist injury that sidelined him for more than three months and limited him to just seven games upon his return.
With only 10 days remaining in the regular season, the Yankees can backdate Judge’s transaction to make him eligible to return on the final day of the season, September 27, contingent on his recovery. The team’s playoff schedule begins with the Wild Card Series on Tuesday, September 29, should the Yankees fail to close a five-game gap with the Rays in the AL East race. Manager Aaron Boone declined to speculate on Judge’s return timeline, stating he would not predict anything regarding the slugger’s availability.
Historically, Judge experienced a similar calf strain in 2020 that resulted in roughly three weeks of missed time. If a comparable recovery period occurs this season, he could potentially return during the ALDS, though current severity levels remain unclear. Judge’s presence significantly impacts team performance, with the Yankees posting a 41-25 record when he starts compared to 47-39 when he does not.
Through 66 games played this season, Judge has compiled a .241 batting average with 18 home runs and 41 RBIs, though his recent performance declined following his return from the wrist injury, hitting .174 in 24 plate appearances. The Yankees have clinched a playoff berth and maintain an outside chance at winning the AL East and securing the top seed in the American League. Judge will be unavailable for an upcoming four-game series against the Rays at Yankee Stadium next week, as well as the team’s remaining games in Arizona and against the Orioles.
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