NEW YORK — Aaron Judge will miss the Yankees’ American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox, leaving New York without its captain as the postseason begins Tuesday.
Judge was omitted from the roster while recovering from a right calf strain. Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham were included, giving the Yankees two returning outfield options even as their biggest name remains unavailable. Boston, meanwhile, added Garrett Crochet for a potential relief role after his lengthy absence.
The decision followed Judge’s attempt to demonstrate he could contribute. He faced live pitching Monday, drawing two walks, hitting a comebacker and taking a called third strike against teammates Ryan Weathers and Elmer Rodríguez. He had been sidelined since Sept. 16 and had not resumed running the bases.
Judge said Monday that he wanted to return as an outfielder, while leaving the final decision about his role to the club. His injury interrupted another comeback: a fractured rib had kept him out from late May until September, and he appeared in only seven games before hurting his calf.
His regular season ended after 66 appearances, with a .241 average, 18 home runs and 41 RBIs. Monday’s workout showed progress with the bat, but Tuesday’s roster decision means that progress will not translate into an appearance in this series.
Boston’s returning pitcher faces a different assignment. Crochet has not pitched in a major league game since April 25 because of shoulder trouble. He completed another live batting-practice session Saturday as the Red Sox considered whether to activate him.
Manager Chad Tracy told reporters before the roster decision that Crochet’s availability after an initial appearance would depend on continued evaluation. His inclusion therefore does not establish that he can pitch on consecutive days or take on a starter’s workload.
Payton Tolle is scheduled to start Game 1 for Boston. For the Yankees, the immediate task is to assemble a postseason offense with Stanton and Grisham back in the mix and Judge still working toward a return.
Sources: Judge; Judge Bp; Crochet.
Related: MLB postseason viewing guide.
