Aaron Judge aims for Yankees Wild Card Series lineup return

MLB Aaron Judge aims for Yankees Wild Card Series lineup return

By Nemanja Milosavljević

September 24, 2026 • 6:04 AM EDT

Updated 20 seconds ago

Aaron Judge aims for Yankees Wild Card Series lineup return

If you were thinking Aaron Judge would be sitting out while the Yankees chased a postseason run, think again. Judge himself told ESPN before last night’s game that he intends to be in the lineup for the Wild Card Series, even as the front office and manager are hinting otherwise. He did not sound thrilled about how manager Aaron Boone described his calf strain as just “moderate,” which Judge clearly didn’t agree with. This isn’t just a point of pride—Judge’s presence is a game-changer for a team that’s struggled for offense when he’s not around.

For the Yankees, this is massive. When Judge is on the field, the entire lineup stretches, pitchers face a nightmare in the heart of the order, and guys like Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger don’t have to carry the load alone. Without him, this offense drops off by a full run per game. That’s not just a stat, it’s a red flag for anyone looking at those Wild Card odds. The Yankees themselves haven’t exactly been clear: Judge can come off the IL as soon as the season ends on Sunday against the Orioles, but Boone said as recently as Tuesday he didn’t expect Judge to be ready. Now the captain says he plans to play. Both can’t be right, so if you’re betting on the Yankees, you’re also betting on Judge’s calf.

According to Yahoo Sports, Judge’s interview lines up with what he’s been saying since the weekend, even if Boone keeps downplaying. This is a stare-down between player optimism and managerial caution. Unless the medical staff weighs in with a hard “no,” don’t be surprised if Judge suits up for game one—he knows the Yankees need his bat.

It’s not just Judge facing questions. There’s uncertainty around the infield too. Anthony Volpe was taking grounders at third base for the first time as a pro. Why does that matter? Because Ryan McMahon, who was seen as the first option, has been unreliable with the bat, and the Yankees need every possible run with or without Judge. Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger will have even more attention on them if Judge’s return doesn’t materialize.

And over in the outfield, Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham are both pushing for some role in October. Grisham’s making progress from a hamstring injury and could make the Wild Card roster, while Stanton, at this stage, is at least trying to make himself viable as a late bench bat—something to monitor if the games get tight.

The pitching picture for the Yankees’ likely postseason foe is changing too. Garrett Crochet, the Red Sox lefty who’s dominated the Yankees all year, could be back in Boston’s bullpen for the Wild Card, giving them one more power arm to deploy late in games.

Key developments ahead of Wild Card Series

Aaron Judge says he intends to play in the Wild Card Series despite calf strain concerns.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone earlier downplayed Judge’s chances to return for the opening round.
Anthony Volpe took reps at third base over Ryan McMahon; potential lineup shakeup coming.
Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham are working out and could factor into the roster mix.
Red Sox lefty Garrett Crochet is nearing a return and could boost Boston’s bullpen if they meet New York.
The Yankees have consistently struggled to score without Judge, averaging one less run per game when he isn’t playing.

Judge’s status means everything for bettors

Here’s why all this matters if you’re thinking about putting money on the Yankees: Judge isn’t just the face of the team, he’s the whole offensive engine. Look at what happens when he’s not there—the Yankees’ run production vanishes, and suddenly every game looks like a coin flip. Who else can step up? If Judge is back, the betting calculus changes immediately.

Wild Card roster situation remains fluid

Roles for guys like Volpe and even veterans like Stanton are still in the air. Keep an eye on any lineup news before the rosters lock. If the Yankees move Volpe to third base, it’s about offense—they’re prioritizing bats over gloves now, which tells you all you need to know about where this team’s strengths and weaknesses lie.

Key takeaways for bettors

If Aaron Judge is active, the Yankees instantly become a more attractive Wild Card bet.
With Judge out, the Yankees’ offense struggles, so fade them if he can’t go.
Watch pregame injury reports and official lineups for last-minute updates.
Anthony Volpe at third signals a more aggressive, offense-first approach for the Yankees.
Bullpen arms for opponents (Crochet, Red Sox) could impact in-game run totals or live bets.
Giancarlo Stanton’s status as a pinch-hitter adds a late-game power threat to monitor.
The Yankees-Boston Wild Card clash could hinge on which stars are truly healthy.
Team news coming out over the weekend will be crucial for any futures or series bets.

More coverage: MLB news coverage, our MLB betting analysis and today’s MLB picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aaron Judge says he plans to play, but the Yankees’ front office and manager have been more cautious about his return. His official status will depend on medical clearance at the end of the regular season.

Stats show the Yankees average a full run less per game without Judge. His absence forces others like Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger into bigger roles and puts a serious dent in their postseason outlook.

Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger would face the most pressure to carry the offense if Aaron Judge is out. The Yankees could also shuffle players like Anthony Volpe to create more offense elsewhere.

Volpe was taking grounders at third for the first time as a pro, signaling a possible lineup shakeup. The Yankees are looking for ways to boost run production and might prioritize bats over gloves for the Wild Card.

Stanton is trying to make himself available as at least a pinch-hit option, working out with the team’s minor leaguers in Somerset. His power could become a late-game asset if healthy.

Garrett Crochet, a lefty who has handled the Yankees well in the past, is rehabbing and could be ready for Boston’s bullpen during a Yankees playoff series. He likely won’t start but is nearing full strength.

Judge is eligible to come off the injured list on Sunday, the season finale against Baltimore. Whether he is cleared to play in the Wild Card Series will depend on his recovery and the team’s final medical review.