Aaron Judge is on the New York Yankees roster because of the wild card series against the Boston Red Sox, according to Jack Curry of the YES Network.
His status for the wild card rotations was in question when the Yankees placed him on the injured list due to a strained calf on Sept. 18. On Sept. 22, manager Aaron Boone announced that the Yankees were considering playing without Judge in the bullpen.
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The injury was placed on the judge’s second list of the season after a stress fracture in one of his ribs sidelined him for three months. He struggled in his return as he went 4-23 at the plate before a calf injury cost him his second star.
But Judge the next day refuted Boone’s comments, telling ESPN that he was prepared to play the wildcard round.
“This is a decision,” the judge said. “I’m ready to test my body so I’m ready to go.”
The final call was left to the Yankees, and Judge made his final pitch to the team Monday afternoon during a batting practice session as the team prepared for the wild card series.
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The session was his first formal workout since landing on the injured list and included several rounds of light batting practice before the at-bats against the Yankees.
When Judge turned away from a calf injury, he told reporters that he was limited to running on a gravity-defying treadmill that was intended for rehabilitation. He would still run the bases in his rehabilitation process.
His departure Monday left the Yankees brass less than a day away from deciding on their status before Monday’s 10 a.m. ET deadline to release wild roster spots. The team ultimately decided Judge wasn’t ready to act just yet, leaving the outfielder to prepare for a return through a possible American League Division Series appearance if the Yankees advance.
While one New York quilter didn’t make the show, another is ready for his return. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton could make the roster a wild-card.
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Stanton – like Judge – took part in batting practice with the team on Monday. Stanton was reportedly able to throw with authority at the plate and later participated in a few running drills to prove the calves were healthy.
Stanton battled many calves in a losing 2026 season. Those streaks made Stanton play in just 24 games, the last of which came in April.
.256/.302/.422 hitter in those appearances. It is unclear what role Stanton will play in the wild card series. With the slugger sidelined most of the season, the Yankees handed the DH role to Ben Rice, who rewarded the team with a 41-home run season.
Game 1 between the Yankees and Red Sox is Tuesday at 8 pm ET in New York.
This story will be updated.