Three questions for Aaron Judge and the Yankees as injury casts doubt on slugger's playoff availability

Key Points:

• Yankees captain Aaron Judge is headed back to the injured list with a right calf strain less than two weeks after returning from a fractured rib, putting his availability for the postseason in doubt. The team has not disclosed the severity or timeline for his return.
• The Yankees are effectively locked into the top wild-card spot with a significant lead over the Boston Red Sox, while winning the AL East remains a long shot due to their deficit behind the Tampa Bay Rays and upcoming head-to-head games.
• Judge’s recent return showed he was struggling at the plate, and the calf injury further limits his opportunity to regain form before the postseason, raising concerns about his offensive and defensive contributions.
• The Yankees’ pitching staff has been a major strength this season, but some key pitchers are showing signs of fatigue or injury, increasing pressure on the pitching to compensate if Judge remains sidelined.
• Other injured players like Trent Grisham and Jazz Chisholm Jr. could return soon and provide lineup depth, but Judge’s health and effectiveness remain the top priority for the Yankees heading into October.