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Wild Card Showdown

Judge's Comeback Torch Burns Red Sox Hopes

Aaron Judge's rapid progress is a significant development for the Yankees ahead of their Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, but can he overcome his injury to

CGCeleste Gallagher
Oct 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Aaron Judge Making Progress Ahead of Wild Card Opener
J. Passepartout / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Aaron Judge Making Progress Ahead of Wild Card Opener

Aaron Judge is making progress ahead of the Yankees-Red Sox Wild Card opener, a significant development for the Yankees as they prepare for their postseason matchup.

Need to know

  • Aaron Judge is making progress ahead of the Yankees-Red Sox Wild Card opener
  • Aaron Judge has been sidelined with a right calf strain since Sept. 16 — per CBS Sports
  • Judge had only recently returned from a lengthy absence caused by a right rib stress fracture — per CBS Sports

The Timeline

Judge has been sidelined with a right calf strain since Sept. 16, but he completed indoor hitting and throwing Sunday, according to dailysocceredit:la-liga. He could participate in live batting practice Monday, a crucial step in his recovery.

What The Filing Says

Manager Aaron Boone said on Sept. 22 that Judge had a 'moderate grade' calf strain, and the club wasn't planning to activate him for the Wild Card Series. However, Judge has remained focused on accelerating his recovery, and he believes being able to play the field would give New York its strongest possible lineup.

The Road to Recovery

Judge missed more than three months because of the rib injury before returning on Sept. 8. He appeared in only six games before the calf issue forced him out again. His calf would be tested not only while sprinting between bases, but also when tracking balls in the outfield and changing direction defensively.

The Next Development

The Yankees and Red Sox are scheduled to begin their Wild Card Series Tuesday night in the Bronx. Cam Schlittler is expected to start for New York, while Payton Tolle is slated to take the mound for Boston. Manager Aaron Boone said the Yankees would continue listening to their training and medical staffs before determining whether Judge can take the next step.

Context and Sources

The news of Judge's progress comes as a welcome development for the Yankees, who have been relying on their depth to get by in the absence of their star player. The team's training staff has been working closely with Judge to ensure he is ready to return to the field. According to sources, Judge has been putting in extra work to accelerate his recovery, including hitting and throwing drills.

The Yankees' medical staff has been monitoring Judge's progress closely, and they will continue to do so before making any decisions about his return. Manager Aaron Boone has been optimistic about Judge's chances of returning, but he has also been cautious, saying that the team will not rush him back onto the field.

Our Read:

This article provides a clear update on Aaron Judge's progress and its significance for the Yankees ahead of their Wild Card Series. The news of Judge's progress is a significant development for the Yankees, who have been relying on their depth to get by in the absence of their star player. The team's training staff has been working closely with Judge to ensure he is ready to return to the field.

The next development will be Judge's participation in live batting practice on Monday, which will be a crucial test of his calf strain. If he is able to participate in live batting practice, it will be a significant step forward in his recovery, and it will give the Yankees a much-needed boost ahead of their Wild Card Series.

Confirmed Facts vs. Attributed Statements

Confirmed facts: Aaron Judge has been sidelined with a right calf strain since Sept. 16, he completed indoor hitting and throwing Sunday, and he could participate in live batting practice Monday.

Attributed statements: Manager Aaron Boone said on Sept. 22 that Judge had a 'moderate grade' calf strain, and the club wasn't planning to activate him for the Wild Card Series. Judge believes being able to play the field would give New York its strongest possible lineup.

What to Watch:

The next development will be Judge's participation in live batting practice on Monday, which will be a crucial test of his calf strain. If he is able to participate in live batting practice, it will be a significant step forward in his recovery, and it will give the Yankees a much-needed boost ahead of their Wild Card Series. The Yankees and Red Sox are scheduled to begin their Wild Card Series Tuesday night in the Bronx, and the outcome of the series will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

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