Aaron Judge’s Yankees return is now the hardest call

Alexander Wilson argues that the New York Yankees face a difficult decision regarding Aaron Judge's readiness for the American League Division Series against Tampa Bay. Judge missed the Wild Card sweep over Boston due to a right calf strain and would not commit to playing in Saturday's series opener. Wilson contends that the team must ensure Judge is fully capable of running and playing right field rather than rushing him back prematurely.

The Yankees offense generated 18 runs across two Wild Card games without their captain, bolstered by Cody Bellinger's four-RBI performance in Game 2. According to Wilson, that offensive success gives the club enough breathing room to exercise patience with Judge's recovery instead of forcing a risky roster move.