Junior Caminero and Ben Rice posted MVP-caliber campaigns in 2026. Cam Schlittler and Drew Rasmussen amazed fans and smothered hitters from the mound. Bryan Baker and David Bednar did the same from the closer role. Trade deadline additions Liam Hicks and Luis Garcia Jr. have both made an impact. There is much to unpack in this upcoming American League Division Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees, and yet, the biggest question centers around a man who has only played 66 games this year. Will Aaron Judge step up to the plate this weekend?

Although the Yankees have yet to release their final ALDS roster, the three-time MVP is seemingly getting himself ready for playoff baseball. Judge looked quite sharp while taking batting practice on Friday evening, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB Network. New York left him off the team for its Wild Card Series versus the Boston Red Sox and cruised to a 2-0 series sweep after some puzzling pitching choices by the opposition, but the circumstances are different now.

Aaron Judge looking better in the cage today. The Yankees have a big decision by tomorrow pic.twitter.com/VLGOuXYrvA

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 2, 2026

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Tampa Bay owns home-field advantage and ended the season far better than the Sox did. Judge could be an equalizer. Though, he could also complicate the Yankees' defensive configuration. The generational superstar is recovering from a calf strain and could therefore be limited in the outfield.

If manager Aaron Boone inserts his captain into the designated hitter role, he would presumably shift Rice to first base, Garcia to second and Jazz Chisholm Jr. to third. Aaron Judge in right field is the optimal scenario, but it is unclear just how mobile he is following his latest stint on the injured list.

His bat seems fine, though, and if that is the case, then it is hard to foresee New York keeping No. 99 out of action for any longer. An official decision will be made before the Rays and Yankees duke it out on Saturday night.