NEW YORK – Aaron Judge was noticeably absent when the Yankees took the first-base line for introductions ahead of Tuesday’s Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Red Sox.
There was a good explanation, according to manager Aaron Boone, who said the captain was receiving treatment after his on-field workout.
“I didn’t even know until it happened,” Boone said. “I think a couple of the injured guys weren’t involved in it. I think he was getting treatment stuff.”
Despite Judge’s attempts to speed the healing of a moderate strain in his right calf and acknowledging that he had been “doing a lot of convincing” behind closed doors, Judge was not included on the Yankees’ 26-man roster for this round.
Judge participated in live batting practice during Monday’s workout, then ran in right field before Tuesday’s game. It was Judge’s first time running on the field since he sustained the injury on Sept. 16 against the Twins.
He declined to speak with reporters as he came off the field Tuesday, except to say, “I’ve got work to do.”
Boone said Judge traveled to the home of the Double-A Somerset Patriots on Wednesday for live at-bats against several pitchers; Boone mentioned Luis Gil and Eli Morgan among the participants.
Judge is expected to return to New York for Game 2, Boone said.
The Yankees have not ruled out including Judge for a potential AL Division Series roster against the Rays. Boone acknowledged that Tropicana Field’s artificial turf could be a factor in their decision.
“I think it’s been encouraging that, a couple of nights ago for the workout, he was able to get out there for live BP,” Boone said. “Again, that wasn’t just going out for live BP; he had to check a lot of boxes for the trainers and strength guys to say, ‘OK, yeah, you’re ready for that.’
“We feel like in a couple of weeks since the injury, he’s made real strides and significant improvements. Hopefully, we’re in a position to make another decision in a couple of days.”
Yankees first baseman Luis García Jr. said Wednesday that Judge continues to be a presence in the clubhouse and dugout, despite being inactive for this series.
“To see how much he's around us in those meetings, around the cage, it doesn't even feel like he's not on the roster,” García said. “It's very impressive to see up close. But at the same time, it's the main reason why he's the captain.”