Aaron Judge's status for the Wild Card Series is uncertain, but he's been working out in Tampa. Judge took batting practice at Tropicana Field on Friday, a sign that he's getting closer to being ready for the postseason.
However, his late push was not enough to be included on the AL wild-card series roster against the Red Sox, according to confirmed reports.
“The trainers will obviously play a big part in this,” — Boone, per New York Post
The Timeline
Aaron Judge's return from a three-month absence for a broken rib was a significant storyline in the Yankees' final stretch of the regular season. He only hit 4-for-23 with one home run, one walk, and 13 strikeouts in seven games after returning.
The Rays, on the other hand, were doing their prep work as if Judge would be in the lineup, according to baseballedit:mlb.
- Rays manager Kevin Cash expected Judge to play right field and hit third.
- Game 1 starter Drew Rasmussen had done his deep dive on Aaron Judge.
By the numbers
- There are off days after Games 1, 2 and 4 in the best-of-five series
- Judge only hit 4-for-23 with one home run, one walk and 13 strikeouts in seven games after returning from a three-month absence for a broken rib
The Challenge Ahead
The biggest box left to check appears to be running the bases, a crucial aspect of the game that Judge has yet to demonstrate in his return. The amount of off days in the series could also benefit Judge in that it may allow the Yankees to carry more position players.
The X-Factor
The Yankees may not want him playing on the turf at Tropicana Field, which could be a concern for Judge's performance in the series.
Aaron Judge's status for the Wild Card Series is uncertain, but he's been working out in Tampa. The biggest box left to check appears to be running the bases, a crucial aspect of the game that Judge has yet to demonstrate in his return. The amount of off days in the series could also benefit Judge in that it may allow the Yankees to carry more position players.
It's worth noting that Judge's workout routine has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts. On Monday, Judge took live batting practice for the first time, a significant step in his recovery. On Tuesday, he did some light running in the outfield, a sign that he's getting closer to being ready for game action. On Wednesday, he took live batting practice in Somerset, and on Thursday, he did the same at Yankee Stadium.
While Judge's progress is promising, it's clear that he still has work to do before he's ready to contribute to the Yankees' postseason push. The biggest challenge ahead of him is running the bases, a crucial aspect of the game that he has yet to demonstrate in his return. However, with the amount of off days in the series, the Yankees may be able to carry more position players, which could benefit Judge's chances of being included in the lineup.
The Yankees' decision to leave Judge off the AL wild-card series roster was a surprise to many, given his importance to the team's lineup. However, it's clear that the team is taking a cautious approach to his return, given his recent injury history. The Rays, on the other hand, were doing their prep work as if Judge would be in the lineup, according to baseballedit:mlb. This suggests that the team is confident in Judge's ability to contribute to the lineup, despite his recent struggles.
Overall, Aaron Judge's status for the Wild Card Series is uncertain, but he's been working out in Tampa. The biggest box left to check appears to be running the bases, a crucial aspect of the game that Judge has yet to demonstrate in his return. The amount of off days in the series could also benefit Judge in that it may allow the Yankees to carry more position players.
Celeste Gallagher’s View
I'm not buying the narrative that Judge's wild card status is on thin ice. The fact that he's been taking live batting practice and working out on the grass is a clear indication that the Yankees are trying to get him ready for the postseason. The off days in the series are a blessing in disguise, allowing the team to carry more position players and giving Judge a chance to get his legs under him. The biggest box left to check is indeed running the bases, but I think the Yankees will find a way to get him up to speed. The fact that the Rays were preparing as if Judge would be in the lineup is a testament to his importance to the team.
Opinion — Celeste Gallagher. Reporting above is separate from this view.
Room for disagreement
The New York Post frames the story as a looming decision that has significant implications for the Yankees' ALDS chances, emphasizing the uncertainty and potential impact on the team's performance. Read New York Post’s take →
Background
Aaron Judge is a professional baseball player who plays for the New York Yankees. He is a key player for the team and has been dealing with an injury that has kept him out of the lineup for several games. The Yankees are currently in the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Boston Red Sox. The series is a best-of-five game series, with off days after Games 1, 2, and 4. This could potentially benefit Judge, as the Yankees may be able to carry more position players with the extra days off. Judge has been working to get back into the lineup, taking batting practice and doing light running in the outfield. However, he still needs to run the bases, which is the biggest box left to check for him. The Yankees' decision on whether to include Judge in the lineup will be a crucial one, as it could impact the team's chances of advancing in the playoffs.
- Judge has been out of the lineup for several games due to a broken rib. (New York Post)
- The Yankees are currently in the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Boston Red Sox. (Yahoo Sports)
- Judge has only hit 4-for-23 with one home run, one walk, and 13 strikeouts in seven games since returning. (New York Post)
Timeline
- Aaron Judge took batting practice at Tropicana Field on Friday
- Judge took live batting practice for the first time Monday
- Judge did some light running in the outfield Tuesday
- Judge took live batting practice on both Wednesday (in Somerset) and Thursday (at Yankee Stadium)
What's next
The next development in this story will be Aaron Judge's performance in the Wild Card Series.
Questions readers ask
Why did Aaron Judge take batting practice at Tropicana Field on Friday?
Aaron Judge took batting practice at Tropicana Field on Friday as part of his rehabilitation and preparation for the Yankees' playoff series.
Will Aaron Judge play in the AL wild-card series against the Red Sox?
Aaron Judge's late push was not enough to be included on the AL wild-card series roster against the Red Sox.
Why might the Yankees not want Aaron Judge playing at Tropicana Field?
The Yankees may not want him playing on the turf at Tropicana Field.
Sources
- New York Post: Another Aaron Judge Yankees decision looms large over ALDS
- Yahoo Sports: Another Aaron Judge Yankees decision looms large over ALDS
