2026 Injury Report: Updates on Cease, Judge, Rafaela

Another turn in the Aaron Judge calf drama took place on September 23, as the outfielder himself indicated that he plans to be available next week. The Red Sox, meanwhile, saw outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela exit after his return from the IL earlier in the day.

Judge planning on playing Wild Card

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge told the media that he intends to be available when the club starts the AL Wild Card round on September 29.

It’s yet another turn for Judge, who was supposedly not likely to be available per manager Aaron Boone earlier this week.

Another “wild card” for the Yankees is Giancarlo Stanton, who’s worked out and could be an option for the club come the playoffs (h/t Newsday).

Rafaela exits after IL return

Ceddanne Rafaela‘s return was short-lived, at least for now.

Rafaela came off the IL and went 1-for-1 in his return. However, he was in discomfort after running on the bases and removed after initially going out to play defense in the third inning. Per the club, Rafaela is dealing with right hamstring tightness.