As fans wonder if three-time New York Yankees MVP Aaron Judge will play in the American League Wild Card Series next week as his calf injury looms over the franchise, the man himself isn’t all that worried. “That’s the plan,” Judge told ESPN. “I tried to prepare my body to be ready to go.” Judge intends to be ready for Game 1 of the Wild Card series, which begins at Yankee Stadium next Tuesday against a yet-to-be-determined American League opponent. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you register or place a bet, FOX News may receive compensation. This content was created by a team working independently of the FOX newsroom. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE The New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge leaves the field in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Judge was placed on the injured list last Saturday after suffering a right calf strain, although it added to the concern that he could be out for a while at the worst possible time given that the postseason was right around the corner. He said he has a strained soleus muscle, which is what he said is essential for running and hitting, the things the Yankees desperately need him to do if they want to reach the World Series again. Judge confirmed reports that he received a platelet-poor plasma (PPP) injection. on Monday in his calf, and he and the Yankees are now awaiting clearance to resume baseball activities involving his leg.THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW: UNLEAKED, UNAPPOLOGIZED AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD YOUR DAILY PODCAST NOW! However, while Judge intends to play, manager Aaron Boone had a different thought process Tuesday. “We’re planning on him not being a part of that,” he told reporters about the American League wild-card series, although he hasn’t officially ruled it out. The Yankees still have time to determine their roster. But if Judge isn’t on the wild-card roster, he won’t be allowed to play until the Yankees reach the ALDS, which only happens if they win the best-of-three series. New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge, who is injured, takes live batting practice before a baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa) Judge added that he has had conversations with decision makers within the organization, although he would not reveal it. “I can’t control what people say,” he said. “Then you’ll have to talk to them about that.” Judge’s injury came after he had just returned from a three-month stint on the injured list with a fractured rib. This ailment may not be that serious, but after having an MRI last Thursday to reveal the extent of the strain, it is serious enough at a time when the Yankees would love for him to be 100%. CC SABATHIA SAYS YANKEES COULD DO A BETTER JOB HELPING YOUNG PLAYERS HANDLE STRIPES: ‘DIFFERENT BEAST’ However, since his return to the team, Judge has had no problem getting back to his usual hitting ways. He was 4-for-23 with one home run and 13 strikeouts in 24 plate appearances. And they came just after he was deemed healthy enough to play instead of going to the minor leagues for a rehab assignment. “We have games to win,” Judge said. “I get paid to play games for the New York Yankees, so I’ll be back as soon as I can.” New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a hit against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of Game 1 of an American League Wild Card baseball playoff series, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) OUTKICK IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE FOX NEWS APP: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD There are several opponents the Yankees could face in the Wild Card Series, but it will most likely be a rematch starting in 2025 in the Bronx against the Boston Red Sox.
