And just like that, the captain of the New York Yankees is back on the shelf.
Less than two weeks after returning from a fractured rib, star outfielder Aaron Judge has landed on the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain, according to multiple reports on Friday evening.
The three-time MVP, 34, exited Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, sparking widespread concern among the fanbase.
Judge’s presence in the lineup has been reduced to a cameo this year. His long-awaited return from a fractured rib on September 8 — which caused him to miss 83 games — lasted just 6.5 games. Per the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, Judge could be activated for the team’s final regular-season game.
The news comes as another crushing blow to the Yankees, who have been ravaged by injuries in 2026. Judge, Max Fried, and Cody Bellinger have all missed time. Meanwhile, Giancarlo Stanton, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Trent Grisham, Ryan Weathers, and Fernando Cruz are all currently on the IL.
New York, which largely floundered throughout the summer without Judge, currently holds the American League’s top Wild Card spot with an 88–64 record. The Yankees trail the Tampa Bay Rays by five games for the AL East lead, with 10 games left on the schedule.
Judge’s health is obviously paramount to New York’s postseason outlook. Without a proper ramp-up period before October, a dark cloud hangs over the Bronx.
As it stands, the Yankees hold the third-best odds to win the World Series at +800 on DraftKings Sportsbook, trailing only the National League’s Milwaukee Brewers (+650) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (+195).
New York kicks off a three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night at Chase Field.
