Judge Hopes to Return for Yankees' Wild Card Opener

Yankees captain Aaron Judge intends to be ready for Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series on Sept. 29, despite a moderate right soleus strain that placed him on the injured list. Manager Aaron Boone said New York is planning as though Judge will not play, though he has not ruled out a return. Judge received a platelet-poor plasma injection and must be cleared to resume leg-related activities important for running and hitting; one medical assessment said a moderate strain could require six to eight weeks to heal. Judge had only recently returned from a three-month absence caused by a fractured rib and has played just 66 games, batting .241 with 18 home runs, 41 RBIs and an .871 OPS. He said he does not know whether he will make the roster, and the Yankees may use other outfielders and designated-hitter options, including Heliot Ramos and Spencer Jones, if he cannot return in time for the likely series against the Boston Red Sox.