Yankees' Aaron Judge gives major injury update, reveals plan for Wild Card series

May 30, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) during batting practice before the start of the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees are going to be the first Wild Card team in the playoffs and will get to host a home series. This season has been a bit of a rollercoaster for New York, but the team still managed to make it to the postseason.

However, there is some concern heading into their series next week, as Aaron Judge may not be available. The Yankees right fielder was placed on the injured list over the weekend.

“Three-time American League MVP Aaron Judge is headed back on the injured list -- this time with a right calf strain -- and New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone isn't sure whether the slugger will be able to return for the postseason. The Yankees made the IL move Saturday,” ESPN wrote.

This was a tough blow for New York, as the Yankees lost their best player once again, this time at a much more crucial point in the season. Shortly after, manager Aaron Boone revealed that he doesn’t expect Judge to be ready for the opening playoff round.

“Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he does not expect to have Aaron Judge available for the Wild Card series next week, though he did not completely rule out the star right fielder recovering from his calf strain in time to play,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.

However, Judge didn’t share the same sentiment. Instead, the three-time MVP made it clear that the plan is for him to get healthy enough to play.

“That's what the plan is," Judge said. "Try to get my body ready so I'm ready to go."

The update from Judge is certainly great news for the Yankees, as they are going to need him in a big way. As it stands, New York is likely to host the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card series.

There is nothing Judge wants more than to be able to play against his longtime AL East division rival. New York doesn’t seem to be planning on Judge being available, but if everything goes according to plan, the star right fielder will have a chance to return for the Wild Card series.

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