MLB1 hour ago2 minute read

Yankees Leave Aaron Judge Off ALDS Roster Against Rays

The New York Yankees have left outfielder Aaron Judge off their roster for the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays as he recovers from a calf injury.

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Judge Out for ALDS

The New York Yankees are moving forward without Aaron Judge. The star outfielder will not be on the roster for the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Yankees had until 10 a.m. on Saturday to submit their 26 man roster. Ultimately, team officials decided to proceed without him. First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 6:38 p.m. at Tropicana Field.

Judge has been sidelined since straining the soleus muscle in his right calf on Sept. 16. He was placed on the injured list three days later. He received a platelet poor plasma injection to help his healing before resuming baseball activities as the regular season ended. Although he wanted to play, the team chose to keep him off the roster.

Pushing for a Return

Judge did everything he could to get back on the field. He faced live pitching on Monday to try to convince the team he was ready. He ran in right field on Tuesday before the first game of the wild card series. He also took batting practice on Wednesday at the organization's Double A affiliate and on Thursday at Yankee Stadium.

On Friday, Judge participated in workouts in Tampa and took batting practice at Tropicana Field, but he did not run. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Friday that the turf surface at Tropicana Field would factor into the decision. Boone had hinted at possibly carrying Judge on the roster in a limited role, but the team decided to move forward without him.

The Yankees managed fine without Judge in the wild card round. They swept the Boston Red Sox, outscoring their rivals 18-2 in a two game sweep at Yankee Stadium. That win advanced them to the ALDS, but they must now face the Rays without their star.

What it means for the next game

New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays (MLB, Sat, 03 Oct): Tampa Bay Rays win 52%, New York Yankees win 48%; projected score Tampa Bay Rays 4, New York Yankees 3. Our safest pick: Yankees +3.5.

New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays (MLB, Tue, 06 Oct): Tampa Bay Rays win 46%, New York Yankees win 54%; projected score Tampa Bay Rays 4, New York Yankees 4. Our safest pick: Rays +2.5.