Yankees Say Aaron Judge May Miss Start of Playoffs

The New York Yankees do not expect star outfielder Aaron Judge to be available for the start of the wild card round of the Major League Baseball playoffs, following a calf injury.

Judge reportedly received an injection aimed at treating the issue, a sign that the team is managing the injury cautiously rather than rushing him back onto the field.

The wild card round marks the opening stage of the postseason, in which teams compete in short series for the chance to advance further. Judge's potential absence represents a significant setback for the Yankees, given his role as one of the team's most productive hitters and a central figure in their lineup.

While the exact severity of the injury has not been detailed, the decision to use an injection suggests the club is prioritising long-term recovery over an immediate return, even if that means missing early playoff games.

The development has been framed as favourable news for the Boston Red Sox, one of the Yankees' fiercest rivals in Major League Baseball. Should the two teams meet during the postseason, Boston could gain an advantage from facing a Yankees squad without its star slugger at full capacity.

No clear timetable has been provided for Judge's return, leaving open the possibility that he could rejoin the team later in the playoffs if the Yankees advance beyond the wild card round.

The situation adds uncertainty to New York's postseason outlook, as the team will need to rely on other players to fill the offensive gap left by Judge's likely absence. Analysts and fans alike will be monitoring updates on his condition in the coming days, as the Yankees weigh performance against the risk of aggravating the injury further.