No Aaron Judge for Yankees in ALDS Against Tampa Bay Rays

Judge misses out again

The New York Yankees have decided to go ahead without Aaron Judge for the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Judge is still recovering from a right calf strain and will miss his second consecutive postseason round.

The team had until 10 a.m. on Saturday to submit their roster of 26 players. While Judge did not make the cut, the Yankees did include slugger Giancarlo Stanton and left handed pitcher Ryan Weathers.

Judge has not played since straining his right calf on September 16. That injury happened in just his seventh game back after missing over three months with a fractured rib. Despite taking batting practice and working out with the team in Florida, the Yankees decided the outfielder was not ready. The turf surface at Tropicana Field also played a part in the decision.

Stanton and Weathers make the cut

Giancarlo Stanton is on the roster and is expected to serve as a pinch hit option. Stanton has not played in a game since April due to three different calf strains. He was on the wild card roster but did not get an at bat.

"I'm ready to go," Stanton said on Friday. "I'm ready to help the team in any way I can."

Ryan Weathers also joins the team as a one inning reliever. He has not pitched since August 22 due to a forearm flexor strain. Because of his injury, Weathers will have some restrictions. He is not cleared to pitch on consecutive days, but the series schedule gives him rest days after Game 1 and Game 2.

The only change from the wild card roster is Weathers replacing utilityman Amed Rosario.

Yankees look to push on

The Yankees managed well without Judge in the wild card round, sweeping the Boston Red Sox in two games. They outscored their rivals 18-2 at Yankee Stadium. This season, the Yankees have a 54-43 record in games played without Judge.

If the Yankees want Judge to play again this season, they must advance past the AL East champions. If they fail to beat the Rays, Judge will not get another chance to play until next year.