PHOENIX — New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has been sidelined with a right calf strain, adding uncertainty to the team’s postseason outlook. Judge, a three-time American League Most Valuable Player, was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Thursday after sustaining the injury during Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins.

Judge had been making a comeback following a right rib stress fracture that sidelined him for 84 games earlier this season. He returned to play without a minor league rehab assignment but managed just seven games before the calf issue emerged. He described the strain as affecting the soleus muscle, located lower in the calf, which he said is more critical to running and hitting than other calf muscles.

Upon his move to the injured list on Saturday, Judge expressed optimism about returning for the postseason, which begins in 10 days with the American League wild-card series. “I’d like to be back by the postseason. That’s definitely the plan,” he said, though he acknowledged the recovery timeline remains uncertain.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone underscored the challenge of Judge’s situation, noting that the severity of the calf strain has not been disclosed. “It doesn’t matter what grade it is,” Boone said. “We’re nine games left … We’re going to get him back or we’re not. That’s what we’re going to work to do and we’ll see.”

Calf strains typically require several weeks to heal, increasing doubts about Judge’s availability for critical postseason games. His placement on the list allows for activation as early as Game 162 of the regular season, but a return that soon appears unlikely.

Judge acknowledged his frustration over the injury, noting he had hoped to get a few more games before October to regain form. He also addressed his decision to remain in Wednesday’s game despite first feeling discomfort early on. “I usually deal with calf stuff all year long,” he said. “Usually it doesn’t get to you guys and usually I don’t miss any games. So that was kind of the same thing I was feeling. I was feeling like I was working my way back and then something kind of grabs you at a strange time.”

Meanwhile, Judge intends to maintain conditioning by continuing limited throwing and workouts as allowed. With the Yankees still in contention for a playoff spot, his recovery and potential return will be closely watched as the regular season winds down and the postseason approaches.