PHOENIX — Aaron Judge is hoping to be back in action for the playoffs, despite the uncertainty surrounding his calf strain.
“I’d like to be back by the postseason; that’s definitely the plan,” Judge mentioned on Saturday. “We’ll do everything possible to return as soon as we can.”
This statement feels a bit less certain compared to his remarks over the summer when he aimed to return from a right rib stress fracture. He managed that comeback after over three months, on September 8. But now, with just 10 days until the start of the American League wild card series, time is of the essence.
“Definitely frustrated,” Judge expressed, reflecting on the seven games he managed to play after spending 84 days on the injured list with the rib issue. “I’ve dealt with strains before and played through them, but this is in a spot that makes it tougher.”
While he didn’t specify the strain’s severity, Judge indicated the injury involves his Soleus muscle, which is crucial for running and hitting, more so than the gastrocnemius muscle. “The focus is still the same, to be ready for October,” he reaffirmed.
In the meantime, the Yankees are relying on their past experiences during Judge’s absence, hoping those lessons pay off now that he’s back on the injured list.
“Lean on each other,” Cody Bellinger advised. “The game is tough; adding pressure just makes it harder. We need to support one another, pass the baton, do our jobs, and control what we can control.”
And they appeared to do just that on Friday night, quickly scoring five runs in the first inning, ultimately winning 9-2 against the Diamondbacks—mere hours after Judge was announced to be on the 10-day injured list with his right calf strain.
Interestingly, they had a solid start at the beginning of June after Judge first went on the IL for the rib issue, but their lineup then struggled for a while. They had recently started improving before Judge returned on September 8, only to face this setback just as the playoffs approach.
“We’ve played most of the year without him, and I feel like some key players have started to find their rhythm, especially offensively,” manager Aaron Boone noted.
During Judge’s 84-game absence, the Yankees ranked low in various offensive metrics, sitting 26th in runs per game and 29th in batting average. Yet, as Judge returned, they began to hit more effectively. This improvement has coincided with some pivotal additions and performances from players like Luis García Jr., rookie Spencer Jones, and Bellinger, who’s found his footing after a previous hamstring injury.
Moreover, Ben Rice has made a significant impact. After a hot start to the season, he cooled off during Judge’s absence but has been on fire recently. Heading into Saturday, he was hitting .353 over the last 22 games, including a powerful showing with five home runs.
“Special year,” Gerrit Cole remarked about Rice. “He’s made really good adjustments from previous years and has been heating up again after adjusting mid-season. He’s not just strong at the plate; he’s smart and hard-working, making for an outstanding season for us.”
For the Yankees to advance deep into October, they need Rice’s performance to continue regardless of Judge’s status. However, Rice doesn’t see it as needing to carry extra weight, which was a mistake for some hitters during Judge’s previous absence.
“I think everyone just needs to focus on their own game and put together quality at-bats,” he said. “Pitching will keep doing their thing like they have all year. Offensively, we just need to play as a team.”
Indeed, the Yankees have relied on their pitching staff throughout the season, especially during Judge’s absence. Their ability to secure wins in low-scoring games has been crucial.
“We have a lot of confidence in here,” Cole stated. “This summer has tested us, but we’ve responded well overall. We strive for perfection and want to be the best. It’s been tough, but we’ve overcome a lot and played effectively.”
