Yankees prepare for playoffs amid injury concerns for Aaron Judge
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 22, 2026, 10:05 AM
Last updated Sep 22, 2026

The New York Yankees enter the final week of the regular season needing to sweep the Tampa Bay Rays to secure a wild-card playoff spot. Currently, the Rays lead the AL East by six games over the Yankees, who are dealing with uncertainty regarding Aaron Judge's availability due to a right calf strain. Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized the importance of momentum heading into the postseason while balancing player rest, particularly for key bullpen arms. Judge expressed hope to return in time for the playoffs as treatment continues. The pitching rotation is under consideration for the upcoming playoff series, with options including Gerrit Cole and Cam Schlittler for potential Game 1 starts.
- •Yankees need to sweep Rays to maintain playoff viability.
- •Aaron Judge's calf injury creates uncertainty for postseason availability.
- •Gerrit Cole and Cam Schlittler are candidates for playoff starts.
- •CC Sabathia's No. 52 will be retired during a game this week.
- 10:05 AMYahoo Sports — Yankees' playoff picture, Aaron Judge update and potential rotation
"The Yankees will be a wild-card team with one loss to the Rays in the Bronx, setting up a likely playoff series with the Red Sox.
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