MLBSep 30
Yankees leave Judge off Wild Card roster, bring back Stanton
Aaron Judge’s calf injury will keep him out against Boston, while Giancarlo Stanton returns with a pinch-hitting role expected.
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Judge not ready for Boston series
The Yankees will begin their American League Wild Card Series against the Red Sox without Aaron Judge after leaving him off the 26-man roster submitted Tuesday. Judge has been sidelined since straining his right calf on Sept. 16. He pushed for a postseason return, taking batting practice and facing live pitching during Monday’s workout at Yankee Stadium. But he did not run during that session, leaving a significant obstacle to returning in right field. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Judge’s progress but determined after discussions with the slugger and team trainers that he was not ready. Judge subsequently performed light running and agility work before Game 1 on Tuesday.
Stanton returns to a hitter-heavy roster
Giancarlo Stanton was activated from the 60-day injured list and included despite an absence of more than five months. He is expected to contribute exclusively as a pinch hitter against Boston. Stanton last played April 24, when he strained his right calf. His recovery was interrupted by another right calf issue in June and a left calf strain in August. His postseason résumé includes 18 home runs and a.926 OPS across 48 games. Center fielder Trent Grisham also made the roster after ending the regular season on the injured list with a hamstring strain. Left-hander Ryan Weathers, sidelined by a forearm flexor strain, was omitted. New York selected 16 position players and 10 pitchers for the series at Yankee Stadium.
Division Series remains a possibility
Judge could still return if the Yankees advance to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL Division Series. That matchup would begin Saturday at Tropicana Field, although his availability remains uncertain. New York finished 93-68 despite Judge appearing in only 66 games. The Yankees went 52-43 without him, supported by a pitching staff that finished with the lowest ERA in the majors.
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