Aaron Judge Left Off Yankees ALDS Roster: Boone Calls It 'Right Decision'

Yankees star Aaron Judge will not be on the roster for the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Tampa Bay Rays, manager Aaron Boone confirmed today [1, 2]. This marks the second consecutive playoff round Judge has missed as he recovers from a right calf strain [1, 2].

Boone stated that while Judge wanted to play and was willing to do anything, the decision was made to keep him off the roster to give him more time to recover fully ^[1]. The manager explained that for the Yankees to have a "good version of Aaron back" for a potential World Series run, Judge needs this week to continue his rehabilitation [1, 2].

The decision came after a meeting on Friday between Boone, Judge, and Mike Shuck, who is the team's director of sports medicine and rehabilitation [1, 2]. Boone took an hour to finalize his choice, ultimately deciding that Judge was "not quite ready" for the demands of the series ^[1].

Judge, 34, has been working intensely to return since straining the soleus muscle in his right calf on September 16 [1, 2]. He had only recently returned from a fractured rib injury that kept him out for over three months ^[2]. Despite taking multiple rounds of live batting practice and starting his outdoor running progression, he has not yet advanced to running bases [1, 2].

Boone acknowledged that it was a "very close" call, but he felt it was the "right decision" for the team's ultimate goal ^[1]. He indicated that carrying Judge in a pinch-hitting role, similar to Giancarlo Stanton, would have hindered his ability to build endurance and be in a better position later in the postseason [1, 2]. The ALCS is set to begin on October 12.

Judge reportedly took the news "OK," understanding the reasoning behind the decision despite his disappointment ^[1]. He has returned to the Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa to continue his build-up, hoping to join the team if they advance to the ALCS.

The Yankees swept the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card series without Judge, outscoring them 18-2 ^[2]. However, facing the AL East champion Rays without their star slugger may prove to be a tougher challenge ^[1]. Spencer Jones, a teammate, acknowledged Judge's importance but emphasized the team's readiness to win with the current roster.

Boone also clarified that the turf at Tropicana Field, while a factor for soft-tissue injuries, was not the primary reason for Judge's exclusion ^[1]. He stated that Judge would not have been playing even if the game was at home, highlighting that his role would have been limited to pinch-hitting regardless. The story was first reported by New York Post and ESPN.