Yankees star Aaron Judge is doing everything he can to play this postseason, and intends to be available when New York starts its Wild Card series next Tuesday.
Speaking with ESPN's Jorge Castillo on Wednesday, the two-time reigning AL MVP made those intentions clear.
"That's what the plan is," Judge said. "Try to get my body ready so I'm ready to go."
Judge's comments ahead of the team's 9-2 win over Tampa caused a stir as manager Aaron Boone, just 24 hours earlier, while not ruling Judge out completely, said he wasn't expecting the slugger to be an option in the Wild Card round.
Boone was asked about Judge's comments after the victory and reiterated his earlier statement, and that they have to wait until the time comes to make a decision.
"Like, I said, I'm not ruling anything out. We got days away till that," Boone said. "Not that I'm necessarily expecting that one way or the other, but we're going to listen to the body and see how he heals. And if he's in a position to do that, obviously, we're going to want him."
Boone wouldn't go into speculation about when Judge could possibly return and said we'll have to wait to find out whether the two-time reigning MVP will be on the roster or not when the Yankees play next Tuesday.
Judge later elaborated on his comments to ESPN following the win, saying that his desire is to get back to the Yankees as soon as possible, but acknowledges it's not up to him.
"My goal is to come back as soon as I can. That's what we're doing right now," Judge said. "If [Boone] says, I'm not going to be ready. I got no control over that. I got control of what I can do to try to get back as soon as I can.
"So, yeah, if you're asking if I'm going to be back. I'm going to tell you, yeah, I'm doing everything I can. Every single day, I show up here to get back and be ready to go."
The Yankees placed Judge on the IL with a right calf strain this past Saturday, which put an end to his regular season. However, the possibility of the Yankee captain returning has been one of the biggest storylines as the MLB playoffs begin.
Judge told ESPN that he's had plenty of talks with Yankees decision-makers about his condition, and that he's unsure if he'll make the Wild Card roster.
Judge had a PRP injection on Monday, and he said he's doing some work in the training and weight rooms. But if Judge is on the roster to start the postseason, it could affect the Yankees lineup.
The DH spot is already taken up by Ben Rice. If Rice shifts to first base, that means Luis Garcia Jr. will have to sit.
Judge said he'll play wherever they need him, but is aware of this quirk in the lineup and returning to play the field is likely best for the team.
"Obviously, I want to try to come back and be ready to play the field because I think that gives us the best lineup, especially with how Benny's swinging the bat. You got Garcia and [Paul Goldschmidt] at first base. Yeah, look, I'm a right fielder. That's what we're trying to do; anyway, I can get back to good form to play the outfield."
While Judge's career numbers would make him a much-needed boost to the Yankees offense, the slugger struggled when he returned from a fractured rib injury he suffered in May. He went 4-for-23 with 13 strikeouts, one walk and one home run upon his return.
Judge's health and roster construction are factors that Boone and the organization must weigh before they take the field next Tuesday. But Judge sees the potential of the 2026 Yankees, especially with the way the pitching has carried the team.
He believes the Yankees have a shot against any team and that's why he's trying so hard to return.
"Guys are peaking at the right time," Judge said. "We're going to rely on [the rotation] heavily... and then throw it to the backend of our bullpen. I like our chances against anybody. That's why you don't want to miss out on opportunities like this, especially going to the postseason when you got a team like this."
