NowWire · AI-assisted reporting summary · October 3, 2026 UTC
The New York Yankees announced Saturday morning ahead of Game 1 that captain Aaron Judge is not on the active roster for the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Judge has been on the injured list since September 16 due to a right calf strain. According to CBS Sports reporting, manager Aaron Boone stated that while Judge has been working out and doing live batting practice, he is not yet ready for game action. [1]
Roster Rules and Impact
Under MLB postseason rules, replacing an injured player who cannot participate would have barred Judge from returning for the ALCS if the Yankees advanced. The team made only one roster change from their Wild Card Series sweep of the Boston Red Sox, removing infielder Amed Rosario and adding relief pitcher Ryan Weathers. Judge missed most of the 2026 regular season due to multiple injuries, appearing in only 66 games. [1]
Sources
- Aaron Judge left off of Yankees' ALDS roster vs. Rays: Three-time MVP still recovering from calf injury — 2026-10-03T14:30:00+00:00