MINNEAPOLIS — New York Yankees star Aaron Judge exited Wednesday’s extra-inning loss to the Minnesota Twins with right lower leg tightness, raising concerns about his availability during the final stretch of the regular season. The Yankees fell 5-4 in 13 innings at Target Field, but Judge’s early departure after just five innings overshadowed the game’s outcome.

Judge, returning from a roughly three-month absence caused by a stress fracture in his right rib, started in right field but felt tightness in his leg during the bottom of the first inning. He attempted to continue playing before informing the team after the fifth inning, at which point he was replaced by a pinch hitter in the top of the sixth. Both Judge and Yankees manager Aaron Boone declined to specify the exact location or severity of the injury, and Judge indicated he likely would not undergo further testing on Thursday.

“I tried to play it off and see how long we could go,” Judge said, emphasizing the importance of the game amid a playoff push. “But kind of taking it over, I thought it’d be the right move to come out so we don’t cost the team in the field or cost the team on the basepaths.” Boone acknowledged Judge’s key role and expressed hope for a quick recovery.

The Yankees, currently 88-64, trail the Tampa Bay Rays by 4.5 games for the American League East division lead with 10 games remaining. Securing Judge’s health for the postseason is considered a higher priority than overtaking the division, as the team has already clinched a playoff spot. Judge had been eased back cautiously since his return to the lineup six games ago, avoiding a minor league rehab stint. Prior to Wednesday, he had taken two days fully off, most recently on Tuesday after playing four consecutive games. The veteran slugger had just hit his first home run since returning on Monday.

Judge’s early exit came on the heels of visible discomfort while fielding in the fifth inning and reflected ongoing challenges as he ramps back up from injury. “We’re still trying to ramp up, so there’s going to be little things like this that come up,” Judge said. “Just thought it’d be best, instead of pushing through it like I normally do and it might become a little worse, to get somebody who’s ready to go in there.”

The loss further complicated the Yankees’ final stretch. Despite a two-run double by Anthony Volpe in the ninth inning to tie the game and late runs pushing the contest into extra innings, New York was unable to hold leads in both the 10th and 11th frames. After failing to capitalize on bases loaded with no outs in the 12th, the Twins secured the win in the 13th when Victor Caratini’s ground ball slipped past the glove of George Lombard Jr., allowing the winning run to score. The Twins improved to 71-81 with the victory.

Pitcher Carlos Rodón, who gave up two runs over six innings, expressed concern over Judge’s injury. “It’s never good when the best player on your team comes out of the lineup,” Rodón said. “Obviously I’m hoping he’s going to be OK.”

The Yankees will have an off-day Thursday to address Judge’s condition ahead of Friday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, though his availability remains uncertain.