Yankees slugger Aaron Judge lands on IL again due to leg injury
Aaron Judge is headed back to the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain, an injury he suffered during Wednesday's game against the Twins. The Yankees star has played only 66 games this season due to a broken rib and has 18 home runs. His availability for the postseason is uncertain, though New York has already secured a playoff berth.
Judge's latest setback compounds what has already been a lost campaign for the three-time MVP. After missing significant time with a broken rib, he managed just seven games back before the calf strain surfaced during an at-bat against Minnesota. His 18 home runs stand in stark contrast to consecutive 50-plus-homer seasons, and his 66 games played mark his fewest since the shortened 2020 schedule.
The Yankees have already clinched a postseason berth, but they trail Tampa Bay by 4.5 games in the AL East. Their upcoming schedule includes a critical four-game series against the Rays in the Bronx, followed by a season-ending set with Baltimore. As currently positioned, New York would face Boston in the wild-card round.
This injury could reshape the Yankees' postseason outlook and, by extension, the broader MLB playoff picture. Fans and fantasy players alike may see their expectations shift, while the team's chances against division rivals Tampa Bay and Boston could hinge on Judge's recovery timeline. His absence may also influence how the Yankees approach roster decisions and lineup construction heading into October, potentially affecting competitive balance across the American League bracket.