The New York Yankees have already shown they can survive without Aaron Judge. But the American League Division Series could be a completely different challenge.
New York reached the postseason without its captain and then swept the Boston Red Sox in the AL Wild Card Series without him. That success has given the Yankees confidence, but facing the Tampa Bay Rays in the next round could expose just how much they are missing their biggest star.
Former MLB player Todd Frazier believes the Yankees should seriously consider putting Judge back in the lineup—even if he is not fully healthy.
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Todd Frazier Wants Judge on the Field
Speaking on Foul Territory, Frazier made his position clear.
“If Aaron Judge is even 50%, I think he needs to be out there,” Frazier said.
The former infielder acknowledged that calf and lower-leg injuries can be difficult to manage, but he believes Judge’s presence could still make a major difference. Frazier suggested using Judge as the designated hitter to reduce the physical demands on him.
“I’d DH him,” Frazier added.
Judge reportedly wants the same opportunity. The Yankees captain had expressed his desire to return for the Wild Card Series, but manager Aaron Boone ultimately decided against putting him on the 26-man roster.
Boone’s priority was clear: get the team through October with players who are ready to contribute without risking a setback.
Yankees Survived Boston Without Their Captain
So far, that approach has worked.
Cam Schlittler delivered 10 strikeouts over 6.1 innings in Game 1, while Max Fried allowed just one run across six innings in Game 2. Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger also provided the offensive production New York needed.
The Yankees did not simply sneak past Boston—they completed a two-game sweep.
That is a major confidence boost, but Tampa Bay presents a different test.
The Rays won the regular-season series 7-6 against New York. The Yankees, however, actually scored more runs across those meetings, 54-45, while Tampa Bay held a slight advantage in hits, 103-99.
The four-game series between the teams in their final meeting ended in a split, another reminder that this matchup has been difficult to separate.
Judge’s Bat Could Change the ALDS
There is a strong statistical argument for wanting Judge back.
Before his absence, the Yankees were hitting around .243 as a team. Without him, that average dropped to .229. New York also went 41-25 with Judge on the roster compared with 52-43 without him.
The difference was even more noticeable in offensive production.
The Yankees averaged roughly five runs per game when Judge was in the lineup and around four without him. Their OPS ranking also took a major hit, dropping from the top of the league when Judge played to 27th when he was unavailable.
In other words, Judge does not have to hit four home runs in four at-bats to help the Yankees. His presence alone changes how opposing pitchers approach the lineup.
For a playoff opponent, that can be a headache before the first pitch is even thrown.
The Injury Makes the Decision Complicated
There is, of course, a very big catch.
Judge missed 84 games earlier in the season because of a fracture to his first right rib. After returning, he struggled to find his usual rhythm, hitting .174/.208/.358 with one home run and three RBIs over seven games.
Then another injury arrived.
Judge suffered a calf issue and was placed back on the injured list. He was diagnosed with a moderate Grade 2 strain of the soleus muscle, an injury that has raised obvious concerns about whether he can safely return during the postseason.
A similar Grade 2 soleus strain ended Mike Trout’s 2021 season in May.
Judge is determined not to suffer the same fate.
According to Bob Klapisch of NJ.com, Judge received a platelet-poor plasma injection from Yankees physician Dr. Chris Ahmad in an effort to accelerate his recovery. The treatment is still considered experimental by insurance companies.
For Judge, the calculation is simple: help the Yankees now or potentially wait until next season.
Yankees Must Make a Big ALDS Decision
Judge has continued working toward a comeback. He took live batting practice at Yankee Stadium and was scheduled for another workout at the Yankees’ facilities and Tropicana Field.
Boone, however, remained cautious.
“We’ll see,” Boone said when asked about Judge’s possible return.
Boone explained that the Yankees would evaluate Judge’s workouts before making a final decision.
The timing is crucial. New York must submit its final 26-man ALDS roster by 10 a.m. ET on Saturday.
Game 1 against the Rays is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field, with Gerrit Cole expected to start for the Yankees.
What Aaron Judge’s Return Could Mean
The Yankees have already proved they can win without Aaron Judge. The question now is whether they should take the risk of bringing him back before he is completely healthy.
Adding Judge could give New York another dangerous bat, more pressure in the middle of the order and the veteran leadership that only its captain can provide.
But the Yankees also know that rushing their biggest star back could create an even bigger problem if the soleus injury worsens.
For now, Judge is pushing toward a return, while Boone and the Yankees’ medical staff face the difficult decision. October baseball rarely comes with easy choices—and this one could be the Yankees’ biggest yet.
FAQ:
Will Aaron Judge play in the ALDS?
The Yankees have not confirmed Judge’s return. His availability depends on how he responds to workouts and whether the team believes he can play without aggravating his soleus injury.
What injury is keeping Aaron Judge out?
Judge is dealing with a Grade 2 strain in his soleus muscle, which is located in the lower leg. The injury kept him off the Yankees’ Wild Card Series roster.
Could Aaron Judge return as a designated hitter?
Yes. Using Judge as the designated hitter could allow the Yankees to get his bat into the lineup while reducing the physical demands associated with playing the field.
Why do the Yankees want Aaron Judge back?
Judge provides power, experience and a major presence in the Yankees lineup. His return could also give opposing pitchers another dangerous hitter to worry about during the ALDS.
How did the Yankees perform without Aaron Judge?
New York reached the postseason without Judge and then swept the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series. Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger all played important roles in the series.
Who will the Yankees face in the ALDS?
The Yankees are set to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, with the opening games scheduled at Tropicana Field.
What was Aaron Judge’s batting line after returning from his rib injury?
After missing 84 games because of a fracture in his first right rib, Judge hit .174/.208/.358 with one home run and three RBIs before suffering the soleus injury.
What did Todd Frazier say about Aaron Judge’s return?
Frazier said he believed Judge should play even if he were only around 50% healthy, while suggesting that the Yankees could use him as the designated hitter.
When must the Yankees decide on Aaron Judge’s ALDS status?
The Yankees must finalize their 26-man ALDS roster by 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, making Judge’s workouts and medical evaluation particularly important.
Who is expected to start Game 1 for the Yankees?
Gerrit Cole is expected to start Game 1 of the ALDS for New York against Tampa Bay.
Also Read: Did Aaron Judge’s Return Just Make the Yankees Even Scarier?
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