Aaron Judge Sidelined Again with Calf Strain Before Postseason

Injury setback for Aaron Judge

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has returned to the injured list. The team placed the eight time All Star on the 10 day injured list on Saturday, a move made retroactive to Thursday. The three time AL MVP is dealing with a strained soleus muscle, which is located in the lower section of his calf.

The issue directly affects his running. Judge came out of Wednesday's game at Minnesota in the sixth inning for a pinch hitter after feeling leg discomfort. While it was initially called a precaution, manager Aaron Boone said the symptoms remained, and an MRI test confirmed the strain.

Return timeline remains unclear

Judge is eligible to return on Sept. 27 for the regular season finale, but his status for October remains up in the air.

"I'd like to be back by the postseason," Judge said on Saturday. "I've got really no answers for you on any timeline or anything like that."

Judge said he has played through muscle strains before, but noted this spot makes running more difficult. He is frustrated because his plan was to play several games before the playoffs. Still, he continues to throw and take part in workouts to prepare his body. Boone stated that he will not guess on a return date, noting that it depends entirely on how the injury heals.

Impact on the Yankees lineup

This new setback comes right after a long absence. Judge missed over three months earlier this year because of a broken rib. In the seven games after his return, he went 4 for 23 with 13 strikeouts and one extra base hit.

He has played just 66 games this season. The Yankees hold a 41-25 record when Judge plays, compared to 48-39 in games he has missed.