Aaron Judge’s availability for the Yankees’ American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays was still undecided as of the morning of Oct. 3, 2026. Manager Aaron Boone said the team was assessing whether Judge could be available at some point in the series after his right calf strain.
What did Aaron Boone say about Judge’s ALDS availability?
Boone said the decision was still being evaluated, with the Yankees considering whether Judge might be available at some point during the series. In comments reported Oct. 2, he said: “But we’re looking at the days and so it’s more is he going to be available at some point in this series, potentially, as a player?” MLB.com reported Boone’s roster deliberations.
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Boone also said the team’s trainers would have a significant role in the assessment: “The trainers will obviously play a big part in this. As the day unfolds, we’ll see where we’re at and what it potentially looks like for the series.” That describes an ongoing evaluation, not medical clearance or confirmation that Judge would play.
What is Judge recovering from?
Judge strained his right calf on Sept. 16, 2026, and had not played since. The Yankees left him off their roster for the Wild Card Series against Boston. ESPN reporting republished by ABC7 New York said Judge had taken live batting practice and begun running as he worked back from the injury.
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Those activities are signs of his reported recovery work, but they do not establish that he was ready to compete in a game. The reports did not provide an independent medical prognosis or a return date.
Could Judge be available to hit but not play right field?
Possibly, but no role had been confirmed in the reports available before the roster deadline. Boone said Tropicana Field’s turf factored into the discussion “a little bit.” Contemporary coverage raised the possibility that Judge could be available as a hitter without initially playing right field. That was a scenario under consideration, not an announced plan. ABC7 New York’s report covers the recovery and potential-role context.
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When was the Yankees’ ALDS roster due?
The Yankees were due to submit their 26-player roster by 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 3, before Game 1, according to Yahoo Sports’ deadline report. That deadline was still in the future at the time of the reporting snapshot, so Judge’s final roster status and role were not yet established.
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