The New York Yankees will enter their series against the Tampa Bay Rays with confidence. However, Aaron Judge's injury status remains uncertain. Will the Yankees star be available for the series? Jeff Passan of ESPN recently addressed that question in an article.

Judge's official injury status for the series is not expected to be revealed until “shortly before” Game 1 of the ALDS. According to Passan, the organization is seemingly split on whether or not Judge should play given the potential of his impact against the Rays but also factoring in the possibility of an injury setback. The Yankees' designated hitter position is already set as well, so if Judge returns New York would either have an extremely difficult DH decision to make or Judge would have to play the outfield.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone is facing some difficult questions at the moment.

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Judge, of course, is one of the best hitters in the game when he's available. A calf injury limited him during the season, but the Yankees are hoping he can return at some point this postseason. He ended up missing the AL Wild Card Series, but New York still cruised to a two-game series sweep.

The Yankees' pitching has been their strength this season. If that continues in the ALDS, the Yankees may not even need Judge for this series. Gerrit Cole is starting Game 1 while Cam Schlittler will get the Game 2 start. Still, as mentioned, New York would obviously love to have Judge in the lineup if possible.

Updates on Aaron Judge's injury status will continue to be monitored and provided as they are made available.