New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is contending with a moderate strain in the soleus muscle of his calf, an injury that has raised doubts about his availability for the upcoming postseason. Despite his own indication that he plans to participate in the American League Wild Card round, manager Aaron Boone has described Judge’s chances of playing as unlikely.

Judge, who has been largely private about his injury, reportedly expressed frustration after Boone publicly disclosed the severity of the calf strain. The injury affects the muscle connected to the Achilles tendon, a sensitive area for any athlete, particularly one who relies heavily on speed and mobility.

While Judge is primarily an outfielder, the designated hitter (DH) role could potentially offer a less physically demanding option. However, competition for the DH spot is intense, and Judge’s lack of recent batting practice adds an additional layer of complexity to this possibility. Boone and the Yankees remain cautious about risking Judge’s health, given the potential impact on his availability beyond this season.

In contrast, Giancarlo Stanton, another key player for the Yankees, has been actively taking batting practice on the field and may be more prepared to assume a critical role during the postseason. Stanton’s current activity contrasts with Judge’s limited participation and points to the team’s need to manage roles carefully as the playoffs approach.

The Yankees are facing a delicate balance between contending for immediate postseason success and preserving Judge’s long-term health. Avoiding a premature return could be crucial for the slugger’s future, including the 2027 season. As the team moves closer to playoff baseball, the management’s decisions regarding Judge will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.