Aaron Judge says he is working to play in the Yankees’ Wild Card opener against Boston next Tuesday, less than two weeks after a Grade 2 calf strain. New York has not decided whether to roster him; manager Aaron Boone says they will see how he heals.
Medical estimates cited by NJ.com ranged from four to six weeks to six to eight weeks. NYU Langone surgeon Spencer Stein warned that stressing the calf before it is fully healed carries a 50% reinjury rate. The article says a premature return could also lead to a rupture, surgery and six months out. Judge had a platelet-poor plasma injection Monday and was back in the weight room Wednesday, but said he was unsure whether he would be cleared for baseball activities before the playoffs.
Earlier this month, Judge returned fewer than three weeks after being medically cleared for baseball activity, without a rehab game. Ten days later, he was back on the injured list with a new injury. In seven games, he hit .174 with one home run, 13 strikeouts in 24 at-bats and a .513 OPS.
