There might be some friction behind the scenes for the New York Yankees. At least that’s what fans believe after hearing Aaron Judge talk about his latest injury Wednesday.
Unfortunately for Judge, the 2026 season has been riddled with injuries. After missing three months with a stress fracture in his right rib, he returned to the field and suffered a right calf strain. While speaking to the media this week, Yankees manager Aaron Boone suggested Judge would miss the team’s AL Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox.
“We’re planning on him not being a part of that,” Boone told reporters.
Judge, however, isn’t ready to give up on the AL Wild Card Series. In fact, he said he intends to play Game 1 on Tuesday.
“That’s what the plan is,” Judge said. “Try to get my body ready so I’m ready to.”
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Judge also revealed that he wasn’t thrilled about Boone describing his injury as moderate.
“Everybody’s moderate is a little different,” Judge added. “Your moderate is a little different than my moderate, so on and so on. So, I don’t know why he used those words. But, like I said, I’m trying to get back as soon as I can.”
Those comments from Judge have fans questioning if he’s at odds with Boone over how his injury should be handled.
Should the Yankees rush back Judge?
Boone has already changed up his stance on Judge’s availability, suggesting there’s a possibility he’ll be cleared soon.
“Like I said, I’m not ruling anything out,” Boone said. “We got days away [until] that. Not that I’m necessarily expecting that one way or the other, but we’re going to listen to the body and see how he heals. If he’s in a position to do that, obviously we’re going to want him.”
The Yankees would obviously love to have their three-time MVP against the Red Sox, but they shouldn’t rush him back from a calf strain.
Judge has stated though that tomorrow isn’t promised in the MLB. For that reason, he wants to compete alongside his 2026 teammates.
“I weigh it and I weigh it like this: We’ve got a great team and we’ve got a great opportunity in front of us,” Judge said. “The future is not guaranteed, good or bad. My job is to do whatever I can to get back and things are feeling great.”
