JUDGE'S PLAYOFF ROSTER STATUS UNCERTAIN AHEAD OF RED SOX SERIES

The New York Yankees face a decision over whether Aaron Judge will be included on the roster for their Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox, according to reports. Judge had reportedly been expected to miss the series, but took part in live batting practice on Monday, facing live pitching across four plate appearances, drawing two walks and striking out once. He also hit a ground ball back towards the mound during the session. Judge said afterwards that he felt "great" and that his leg was coping with the demands of batting. Manager Aaron Boone had said the team was preparing as though Judge would not be available, though the Yankees reportedly have not ruled out his return for Game One.

Judge missed 84 games earlier in the season with a fractured rib before returning on 8th September. Seven games later, he suffered a moderate calf strain that kept him out for the rest of the regular season. He has used an anti-gravity treadmill as part of his recovery but has not run the bases or taken part in defensive drills since the injury, a step regarded as necessary before returning to postseason action. Judge described his hitting progress as "a big step forward", noting the physical demands the motion places on his back leg.

The Yankees must weigh whether Judge's batting is sufficient to justify his inclusion given the unresolved questions over his ability to run and field. His past record against Boston in the postseason forms part of that consideration, having gone four-for-11 when the Yankees eliminated the Red Sox in the 2025 Wild Card Series. A final decision on his roster status is expected before the series begins.