Aaron Judge Left Off Yankees' Wild Card Roster

Key Points:

• The Yankees will enter the Wild Card round without two-time MVP Aaron Judge due to a calf strain, with Judge expected to return in the ALDS if the team advances.
• Cody Bellinger, Heliot Ramos, and Spencer Jones are likely to fill the outfield roles, while Ben Rice will serve as designated hitter, continuing a lineup configuration used during Judge’s recent absences.
• Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham, both returning from injuries, will be active for the Wild Card round, providing the Yankees with additional offensive options; Stanton offers a right-handed bat against Boston’s left-handed pitchers.
• Stanton has battled multiple calf injuries this season and has played only 24 games, while Grisham, who has struggled defensively, was sidelined with a hamstring injury in early September but has shown power and speed at the plate.
• The Yankees’ defensive challenges in center field continue with both Grisham and rookie Spencer Jones posting negative Defensive Runs Saved, though Jones’ better performance against left-handed pitching may keep him in the lineup against certain pitchers.