NEW YORK – The news about Aaron Judge’s return to the injured list was still fresh, having been announced less than an hour earlier, and already Cody Bellinger was envisioning how the Yankees could succeed in the postseason without their captain.
Unfortunately for Judge and his club, they’ve had plenty of practice doing exactly that this season. They’ve had no choice.
“Missing Judge, it hurts,” Bellinger said. “We all know he’s the best hitter in the game. For us in here, our mindset is, we’re going to have to find a way. I think the talent in this locker room speaks for itself. I’m fully confident that we have enough talent in here to go out, win and beat anybody.”
Now they’ll have their chance to prove it.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that Judge is dealing with a “moderate” strain of his right calf and is not expected to be ready for a potential American League Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, which would begin on Sept. 29.
Judge’s availability for subsequent rounds, especially the AL Division Series, is also in doubt. But the Yankees need to get there first. Here are five reasons why the Yankees, lauded as pennant favorites, still can reach the Fall Classic even if Judge doesn’t return:
Dominant starting pitching
When Carlos Rodón fired eight scoreless innings in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over the Rays, it not only kept the bubbly on ice in the AL East – it served as a reminder of the Yankees’ greatest strength.
Rodón might not even draw a start in a potential Wild Card Series, standing in line behind AL Cy Young Award frontrunner Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole and Max Fried. Simply put, the rotation has kept them afloat.
Yankees starters have permitted two earned runs or fewer in 40 of 51 starts since July 28, including one earned run or fewer in 33 of those starts, compiling a 2.50 ERA over that span. Overall, they’ve allowed one run or fewer in 65 games, a single-season franchise record.
“We come to win every game, regardless of who is on the field,” Rodón said. “Obviously it’s tough when you don’t have the best player in the world on the field with you. I’m hopeful that he’ll be back. But … it’s just about winning games for us.”
There’s other thump
This isn’t 2022, when Judge’s 62 home runs set a single-season AL record and served as the unquestioned engine of the offense. Mostly because of the rib injury, Judge was limited to a .241 average, 18 homers and 41 RBIs across 66 games. Ben Rice shouldered much of the load, fulfilling Boone’s spring prediction of 39 homers.
Bellinger remains an impactful force, while Luis García Jr.’s increased bat speed suggests his production is sustainable despite a recent slump. Meanwhile, Heliot Ramos has shown power after a sluggish start and will be leaned upon in the playoffs against left-handed pitching.
“We know we’re capable of winning games,” said Boone, who noted the club’s 36-24 record since the All-Star break, most of which occurred without Judge. “We’ve had to play without a lot of key pieces at different points and for large chunks of this season.”
The kids are all right
George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones opened eyes during the club’s recent series against the Diamondbacks, when they crushed a Statcast-calculated combined 872 feet of home runs against Corbin Burnes – big-boy blasts of 424 and 448 feet, respectively, that suggested they’re growing more comfortable in The Show.
There have been growing pains across their first months of big league activity, with Lombard committing errors in six consecutive games over one span and Jones showing the swing-and-miss that will probably always be part of his game. But the talent is real, and no one should be surprised if either rookie delivers in a big October moment.
“We really just have to play for each other; lean on each other, pass the baton,” Bellinger said. “You do your job and control what you can.”
Improving health
While Judge’s outlook is cloudy, the Yankees are slowly becoming more whole.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. was activated from the injured list between games of Tuesday’s doubleheader, restoring a dynamic presence. It has been a disappointing year overall, but Chisholm was hot at the time of his injury (18-for-46, .391). The Yanks will look for him to pick up where he left off.
Meanwhile, Anthony Volpe made the most of an opportunity in Chisholm’s absence, which could have earned him a spot on a playoff roster – especially if they go with 11 pitchers and 15 position players in the first round. Trent Grisham is thought to be in play for the playoff roster.
“Hopefully more people are able to join and make us more formidable along the way,” Boone said.
A bolstered bullpen
The Yankees’ relievers have been among the league’s best all year, but there have been concerning signs of late. Brent Headrick ranks second in the Majors with 79 appearances and has seen inconsistent velocity, for example, suggesting he could benefit from a breather once the AL East is decided. David Bednar and Paul Blackburn, meanwhile, remain sharp.
Because the Yankees would have no reason to roster five starting pitchers in October, help is on the way. Will Warren is scheduled to make one more start and then transition to a relief role, giving the ’pen an intriguing multi-inning option. Clarke Schmidt and Ryan Weathers are also in the mix.
“That’s the beauty of the postseason; guys fall into different roles and a lot of times can become heroic in roles you didn’t necessarily count on at the start of the season,” Boone said.