Yankees expect Aaron Judge to miss start of postseason

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the club does not intend to have captain Aaron Judge on the roster for a potential American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox, citing a “moderate grade” strain in Judge’s right calf. Boone added that while the team would consider activating him if circumstances changed, he does not expect Judge to be available for the opening games.

Judge received a platelet-poor plasma injection on Monday and will limit his activities for several days. The injury, located in the soleus muscle of his right calf, was sustained during a series against the Minnesota Twins last week. Judge said the strain makes running and hitting more difficult than previous strains he has played through.

New York has already secured a postseason berth, but the outcome of a doubleheader between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Red Sox will determine whether the Yankees enter as a Wild Card team. The Rays can clinch the AL East title and the No. 1 seed with a win in either game.

Judge missed most of the summer after fracturing a right rib in April and returned in September, appearing in seven games and posting a .174 batting average with one home run. This season he has compiled a .241/.360/.511 line with 18 homers and 41 RBIs in 66 games.

Boone noted the team has performed well without Judge for much of the year but emphasized the need to continue winning regardless of his availability. He said Judge remains on the active roster but must complete catch work and other activities to assess his readiness.