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Aaron Judge could return from a calf strain for the New York Yankees in the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays, with manager Aaron Boone weighing a decision.
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge may return from a moderate calf strain for the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, manager Aaron Boone said on Wednesday. Judge was placed on the injured list on Sept. 18, and four days later Boone said the team was planning to play without Judge in the opening round. The best-of-five series begins on Saturday and Monday, then shifts to Yankee Stadium for Game 3 on Wednesday and a possible Game 4 on Thursday. If necessary, a winner-take-all Game 5 would take place on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Tropicana Field.
Boone said on Wednesday that Judge has made real strides and significant improvements in the couple weeks since the injury. He added that the team hopes to be in a position to make another decision in a couple of days.
On Monday, Judge took live batting practice at Yankee Stadium and took more live at-bats at the team's Double-A affiliate in Somerset on Wednesday. He told reporters that he was feeling good and that his calf was improving.
Judge's Recovery Progress and Live At-Bats
Judge has been ramping up his baseball activities as he recovers from the calf strain. After taking live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Monday, he continued his progression with live at-bats at the Yankees' Double-A affiliate in Somerset on Wednesday.
Boone indicated that Judge's availability for the ALDS is still being evaluated. The manager said the team is looking at the days and weighing whether Judge could be available at some point in the series as a player. Boone also noted that the artificial turf at Tropicana Field could have been a part of the decision-making process, as the surface can be tough on players recovering from leg injuries.
Yankees Weigh ALDS Options Without Judge
The Yankees have been preparing for the possibility of playing without Judge in the opening round, as Boone said on Sept. 22. However, Judge's recent progress has given the team hope that he could return at some point in the series.
Judge was placed on the injured list on Sept. 18 with a moderate calf strain. The injury occurred during a game against the Boston Red Sox. At the time, Boone said the team was planning to play without Judge in the opening round of the playoffs.
Since then, Judge has been working to return. He took live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Monday and then faced live pitching at the team's Double-A affiliate in Somerset on Wednesday. He told reporters that he felt good and that his calf was improving.
Boone said on Wednesday that Judge has made real strides and significant improvements in the couple weeks since the injury. He added that the team hopes to be in a position to make another decision in a couple of days.
ALDS Schedule and Tropicana Field Factors
The ALDS between the Yankees and Rays is set to begin on Saturday and Monday at Tropicana Field. The series will then shift to Yankee Stadium for Game 3 on Wednesday and a possible Game 4 on Thursday. If necessary, a winner-take-all Game 5 would take place on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Tropicana Field.
One consideration in playing Judge at Tropicana Field is the ballpark's artificial turf, something that Boone said could have been a part of the decision-making process. The turf can be more taxing on players' legs, especially those recovering from a calf strain.
Boone said the team is looking at the days and weighing whether Judge will be available at some point in the series as a player. That is what the team is kind of weighing and then seeing where he is at now these last few days, having taken live BP.
Judge's potential return would be a significant boost for the Yankees, who are looking to advance past the Rays in the ALDS. The team has been without its star outfielder since Sept. 18, but his recent progress suggests he could be back on the field soon.
Aaron Judge New York Yankees Tampa Bay Rays ALDS Calf Strain Aaron Boone Tropicana Field
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