Aaron Judge to IL

Aaron Judge's Injury and the Yankees' Playoff Hopes

The New York Yankees announced on Friday that they will be placing Aaron Judge on the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain. This marks the second time this season that Judge has been placed on the IL, having previously missed 99 days with a stress fracture in his first right rib. The injury occurred during the team's extra-inning loss to the Twins on Wednesday, with Judge exiting the game in the sixth inning due to discomfort in his leg. According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, Judge suffered the injury while playing the field, but he didn't exit the game until Heliot Ramos pinch-hit for him in the sixth inning. Judge could be seen grimacing on a check swing during the third inning and hobbling in the outfield during the fifth inning. Boone said he wasn't made aware of Judge's injury until just before the right fielder was pulled from the game, noticing the hobbling during the fifth frame. As Judge stated, "I tried to kind of play it off and see how long we could go, because these games are important down the stretch. But in talking it over, I thought it'd be the right move to come out so we don't cost the team in the field or on the basepaths."

Judge's Return to the IL and the Impact on the Yankees

Judge's return to the IL comes with him just seven games removed from his previous absence. Since returning from his rib injury on September 8, Judge has been trying to ramp up his body after a long layoff. He has been playing in limited games, with planned early exits in his first two games back. However, despite his gradual build-up, Judge has still been dealing with nagging issues, comparing his new injury to the types of issues that pop up during spring training and at the start of the season. As Judge noted, "We're still trying to ramp up, so there's going to be little things like this that come up." The Yankees had one of the worst offenses in baseball during Judge's last IL stint, ranking last in K% (26.1%); 29th in wRC+ (90) and average (.227); 28th in wOBA (.299); 27th in OPS (.681); and 24th in runs scored (341) from June 2 through September 7. With Judge's latest IL stint, the team's already-unlikely odds of snatching a division title from Tampa Bay have worsened.

Timeline and Potential Return

The Yankees can backdate the transaction, making Judge eligible to return from the injured list on the final day of the regular season, September 27. However, it's uncertain whether Judge will be able to return to the field by then. In 2020, Judge missed roughly three weeks with a strained calf, and a similar timeline this year would see him return in the middle of the ALDS, if the Yankees reach the round. The table below shows the key dates and events surrounding Judge's injury and potential return:

Detail	Information
Date of Injury	Wednesday
Date of IL Placement	Saturday
Eligible Return Date	September 27
Potential Return Timeline	Middle of ALDS (if Yankees reach the round)

Impact on the Yankees' Playoff Run

The Yankees have already clinched a playoff berth, but they still have an outside shot at winning the AL East and the top seed in the AL. However, with Judge's absence, their chances have become even more unlikely. The team will host a crucial four-game series against the division-leading Rays from September 22-24, and Judge's absence will be felt. As reported by sources, utilityman Max Schuemann will be recalled from Triple-A to take Judge's place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nature of Aaron Judge's injury?

Aaron Judge is being placed on the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain.

When is Aaron Judge eligible to return from the injured list?

Aaron Judge is eligible to return from the injured list on the final day of the regular season, September 27.

How will Aaron Judge's absence affect the Yankees' playoff run?

Aaron Judge's absence will be felt, particularly with the team hosting a crucial four-game series against the division-leading Rays from September 22-24. The Yankees' already-unlikely odds of snatching a division title from Tampa Bay have worsened.

As the Yankees prepare to face the Rays in a crucial four-game series, they will have to do so without their best player. With Judge's injury and potential return timeline still uncertain, the team's playoff hopes hang in the balance. The next few days will be crucial in determining the Yankees' chances of making a deep playoff run, and all eyes will be on Judge's recovery and potential return to the field.