Aaron Judge bristles at Boone’s Wild Card Series outlook: ‘I don’t know why he used those words’

New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge expressed displeasure after manager Aaron Boone stated he was not planning on having the outfielder available for Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series. Judge stated following Wednesday's 9-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays that his goal remains to return as soon as possible and play right field rather than serve as a designated hitter.

Judge received a platelet-rich plasma injection on Monday for a strained right calf, specifically in the soleus muscle. While Boone characterized the injury as a moderate-grade strain that normally requires several weeks of recovery, Judge questioned the diagnosis description, emphasizing that he is working daily to be ready for Tuesday's postseason opener.