MLB4 hours ago2 minute read

Yankees Ready for Rays Clash as Aaron Judge Races Against Time

The New York Yankees are preparing to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS, even as superstar captain Aaron Judge works to return from a calf injury.

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Yankees Roll On Without Judge

The New York Yankees swept past Boston in the wild card round, scoring 18 runs in two dominant games. They did all this without their captain and star hitter, Aaron Judge. He has been sidelined with a strained calf muscle, after already missing over half the season with a broken rib.

The Yankees offense averaged 4.22 runs per game without Judge during the regular season, ranking 26th in the league. But their recent offensive outburst of 26 hits and four home runs against Boston shows they can still produce when it matters most.

The Battle Against the Rays

Next up is a tough American League Division Series against the top seeded Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays won 98 games this year compared to the Yankees' 93 wins. Tampa Bay also won the regular season series between the two teams.

Tampa Bay brings a highly efficient offense that led the American League in batting average, on-base percentage, stolen bases, and strikeout rate. Judge spoke about the challenge of facing them. "They've just got a lot of guys up and down the lineup," Judge said. "They're going to put the ball in play. They're going to work a seven, eight, nine, 10 pitch at bats."

Pitching will decide the series. The Rays will start right hander Drew Rasmussen in Game 1. The Yankees have their own stars ready, including Max Fried and Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler. Fried noted that the Rays are fundamentally sound and do not beat themselves, meaning the Yankees will have to play clean baseball to win.

Judge's Status Remains Unclear

Whether Judge will play in Game 1 on Saturday remains undecided. Some within the Yankees organization want him on the field, while others prefer to wait another week to avoid aggravating his calf.

"I'm trying to be ready as fast as I can," Judge said during the team's celebration, "but we'll get there when we get there." Even if he cannot play, Judge remains confident in his teammates. "I think mentally these guys are ready to roll," he added.

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.