Yankees’ Judge Hopes for Playoffs as Stanton Works Toward Return

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said he hopes to return from a strained right calf in time for the postseason, while Giancarlo Stanton took live batting practice after a 5½-month absence as the club prepares for a likely American League Wild Card Series against Boston, NBC Sports and ESPN reported Thursday.

Judge has been sidelined since Sept. 16 and received a platelet-poor plasma injection. Manager Aaron Boone repeated that he is not counting on the three-time AL MVP for Game 1 of the best-of-three Wild Card Series, which New York is expected to host at Yankee Stadium beginning Tuesday, according to the Associated Press accounts published by both outlets. Judge, speaking after a 9-2 win over AL East champion Tampa Bay, said he is doing everything he can to be in the lineup.

“The Bronx is a magical place in October,” Judge said, per NBC Sports. “I don’t want to miss out on that opportunity.” Boone described the calf injury as a moderate strain and said the club will “listen to the body” rather than force a premature return. Judge hit .241 with 18 home runs and 41 RBIs in 66 games this season after earlier missing time with a fractured rib from May 31 to Sept. 8, AP noted.

Stanton, who has not played since April 24 because of strained calf muscles in both legs, faced pitchers Wednesday at Double-A Somerset alongside center fielder Trent Grisham, out since Sept. 4 with a right hamstring strain. Both ran the bases, and Stanton homered while taking six or seven at-bats, ESPN reported. Boone said the club was “putting them on the outskirts of the conversation,” framing Stanton more as a possible pinch-hit option than an everyday bat if he is cleared.

Stanton opened 2026 hitting .256 with three homers and 14 RBIs in 24 games before the dual calf injuries. The 36-year-old former NL MVP is owed $25 million in 2027 in the final guaranteed year of a 13-year, $325 million contract that includes a $10 million buyout of a 2028 club option, AP reported. He has missed 500 of 1,194 games since joining New York, a 41.9% absence rate through the end of this regular season.

The Yankees’ October picture also includes pitching triage. Right-hander Clarke Schmidt, back Sept. 16 after Tommy John surgery in July 2025, remains limited by right biceps cramps. Prospect Carlos Lagrange threw to hitters at Somerset after a right capsule strain, and Boone said he is “in the conversation.” Boone lined up Cam Schlittler and Max Fried for Games 1 and 2 of the Wild Card Series, with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón available for Game 3, NBC Sports reported.

Readers tracking late-season AL developments on Sports will find this Yankees injury-and-availability report distinct from National League clinch nights already on the desk. The focus here stays on Judge’s recovery timeline, Stanton’s Somerset workout, and how New York’s wild-card roster could look if Boston arrives in the Bronx next week.

Boone also said Anthony Volpe will see time at third base with Jazz Chisholm Jr. back from a sprained right thumb. Fernando Cruz threw a bullpen after right elbow discomfort and said he feels positioned to return within a couple of weeks. With four days left in the regular season and a home wild-card series likely, New York’s October readiness now hinges as much on medical clearance as on standings math.