New York captain tried to return in time for the playoff series, but a right calf injury kept the star out of the lineup
The New York Yankees opened one of baseball’s most anticipated playoff series without their biggest star.
Aaron Judge was left off the Yankees’ roster for the American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox because of a right calf injury.
Judge tried to prove he was ready to return
Judge participated in live batting practice Monday, one day before the series opener, in an attempt to show manager Aaron Boone and the medical staff that he was ready to return.
He had been sidelined since September 16 because of the injury and received a platelet-rich plasma injection on September 21.
His recovery, however, was not enough for the Yankees to include him on the roster for the series.
Injuries limited Judge’s season
The New York captain had also missed more than three months after suffering a fractured rib.
Judge returned in September, played only seven games and was injured again.
The three-time American League MVP finished the 2026 regular season limited to 66 games, batting .241 with 18 home runs and 41 RBIs.
The Yankees and Red Sox are playing a best-of-three American League Wild Card Series.
Sources: Associated Press and ABC News.
