Former MLB infielder Trevor Plouffe said the New York Yankees would “shock” him if they omitted captain Aaron Judge from their Wild Card Series roster, even if the slugger can only contribute as a pinch hitter.

Judge is recovering from a right soleus strain that landed him on the 10-day injured list on September 19, retroactive to September 17. Manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that the Yankees are preparing to be without their superstar slugger for the opening round of the MLB playoffs, though he did not rule out a return.

Talkin’ Baseball shared Plouffe’s argument Thursday on X, formerly Twitter, as the former MLB veteran explained why one late-game at-bat could justify carrying Judge.

“As a pinch hitter late in the game, I know he can't run. I know he can't play the outfield, but I think giving you an at bat, like with hey man, we need we need a homer here. We need our guy to come through. I would be shocked if he didn't.”

It would be shocking if Aaron Judge was left off the playoff roster pic.twitter.com/FoC0JqhYxU

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 24, 2026

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Judge said Wednesday his current plan is to prepare for Game 1 on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, though his final roster status remains unresolved.

The 34-year-old is eligible to come off the injured list on Sunday, the final day of the regular season. He hit .241 with 18 home runs, 41 RBI and an .871 OPS in 66 games this season. A right-rib stress fracture cost him three months. He played seven games after that return before the calf injury.

The decision carries weight because MLB limits postseason rosters to 26 players and allows teams to reset them before each series. Carrying Judge without defensive or base-running capability would reduce the Yankees’ flexibility, while leaving him off would remove the three-time AL MVP from the opening round.

The Yankees clinched a Wild Card berth and will host the opening round series in the Bronx. With five days remaining before Game 1, Judge continues working toward a return while the Yankees still evaluate whether his bat alone warrants a postseason roster spot.