As of Oct. 2, 2026, the Yankees had not decided whether Aaron Judge would be on their 26-man roster for the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays. He was recovering from a right calf strain, and the team was weighing whether he could contribute at some point in the best-of-five series. The reports available that day do not confirm the roster decision due Saturday, Oct. 3.
What was known about Judge’s injury and availability?
Judge had not played since Sept. 16, when he strained his right calf. He took live batting practice Thursday and worked out Friday, but those activities did not confirm that he had been medically cleared or would be activated. MLB reported that the strain was moderate and that Judge had not been on the Yankees’ Wild Card Series roster (MLB.com, Oct. 2; MLB.com, Sept. 30).
Manager Aaron Boone said the question was whether Judge might be available as a player at some point during the series—not merely whether he could take batting practice. His comments described an ongoing evaluation, not a decision or a return-to-play clearance.
When was the roster decision due?
MLB’s Oct. 2 report said the Yankees planned to decide late Friday. The Associated Press reported that the 26-man roster was due to MLB by 10 a.m. ET Saturday, roughly ten hours before Game 1. Those reports describe the decision window; they do not establish what the Yankees ultimately submitted.
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Could Judge play right field or pinch-hit?
Tropicana Field’s artificial turf was one factor in judging whether Judge could return to right field. Boone said it “plays into it a little bit.” The AP also reported that pinch-hitting was a possible role if Judge could not play the outfield, but the Yankees had not announced that as a plan.
Rays manager Kevin Cash said, “I expect him playing right field, hitting third,” while Game 1 starter Drew Rasmussen said, “I think we make the assumption he’s in there until he’s not.” Those were the Rays’ expectations, not confirmation from the Yankees that Judge would be activated or start.
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What had Judge contributed this season?
The AP’s Oct. 2 report listed Judge at 66 games, a .241 batting average, 18 home runs, 41 RBIs and an .871 OPS. He had previously been sidelined by a fractured rib, returned for seven games, and then strained his calf on Sept. 16. These figures and chronology provide context; they do not establish his current health or predict his postseason performance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Was Judge ultimately on the ALDS roster?
The Oct. 2 reports do not confirm the final roster, whether Judge was medically cleared, or what happened in Game 1. The answer in the reporting available before the deadline was therefore unresolved: the Yankees were considering whether he could help at some point in the series, with his ability to field in the venue and the roster deadline among the factors. A definitive post-deadline answer requires a verified roster update.
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