Instead, the Yankees’ dugout-boss urged the team to turn the page. That’s not to say the mistakes made by Chisholm Jr. and company in Game 2 will be brushed aside and left unaddressed, but it signals New York won’t beat around a dead horse. What’s done is done. The Yankees must move on and turn around a 0-2 series deficit. If they fail, then history will judge them.

“Yeah, some good defenders that didn’t make a couple of plays. We’ve got to get over it, though,” Boone said after Game 2 of the ALDS at Tropicana Field. “As simple as that. We can’t dwell on what just happened to us, we’ve got to come ready playing for our lives Wednesday night and I expect this team to do that. We’ve stared a lot of uncertainty in the face all year and these guys have responded time and time again. We need to do that again right now.“

One of those nights for NY Yankees

The Yankees are largely to be blamed for putting themselves in the less-than-favorable position they are in. However, they have had some tough luck so far against the Rays. Game 2 best exemplified it.

With the bases loaded in the fifth inning, Cody Bellinger made solid contact with a ball that felt destined for a trip over the wall. It came up just short and the inning was over.

What could’ve been a 5-1 lead for the Bronx Bombers midway through Game 2 turned into that exact lead for the home team in the bottom of the inning. Again, the Yankees must let bygones be bygones, else their chances of surviving elimination in the 2026 MLB Postseason will be slim and none.

Yankees abandoned what worked before

The Yankees are looking different from their AL Wild Card version. If they deserved praise for weathering Aaron Judge’s absence last round — and actually playing smarter baseball as a result — the Pinstripers deserve equal criticism for steering away of it in the ALDS.

Obviously, the Rays’ lineup offers a tougher challenge, but it may be no excuse for the Yankees abandoning what previously worked. New York had shown a side it rarely did. The Yanks didn’t rely on the typical home-run-or-bust strategy they had in previous postseasons, but are falling back on that sword again.

As great as Ben Rice’s play has been this postseason, the fact his solo homers are the only runs New York has been able to put on the board against Tampa Bay is very telling. Standing between a rock and a hard place, the Yankees have no choice but to pull off an improbable 180-degree turn, or the season will be over.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Boone urged the Yankees to move on after Game 2 mistakes.
• New York blew a potential 5-1 lead after Cody Bellinger’s flyout ended the fifth inning.
• Solo home runs by Ben Rice account for all of New York’s ALDS scoring.

“Trying to stack another good day, continue to heal up,” Boone said via SNY Yankees on X. The manager also added that Judge will run and take live batting practice on Sunday.

The Yankees decided to leave Judge off the ALDS roster, while Giancarlo Stanton was included. For now, the staff still does not consider their biggest star to be 100% healthy, following an injury-plagued season.

The Yankees let Game 1 slip away

The Pinstripes got completely suffocated in Game 1 of the ALDS, dropping a tight 1–0 duel to Tampa Bay. Drew Rasmussen was a total nightmare on the mound, keeping a no-hitter intact until the 8th inning while stacking 10 strikeouts and leaving New York’s bats completely dead.

The Yanks only managed a single hit all night—Austin Wells finally broke up the no-no in the 8th with a hit to right field, but got thrown out trying to stretch it into a triple. Gerrit Cole actually threw a solid game, but Jonathan Aranda’s solo home run proved to be the only damage Tampa needed to seal the win.

Heavy hitters like Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger went a combined 0-for-7 with 4 Ks, showing just how out of rhythm the offense was without Aaron Judge in the lineup.

Yankees look to avoid an 0-2 deficit

After dropping the opener, Aaron Boone and the Yankees have no time to breathe. They’re back at Tropicana Field for Game 2 on Monday, Oct. 5 (8:00 PM ET), practically needing a win to avoid heading back to the Bronx in a massive 0-2 hole.

The series then shifts to Yankee Stadium for Game 3 on Wednesday, Oct. 7. If New York can force a Game 4, that’ll also be in the Bronx on Thursday, Oct. 8, and if this thing goes the full five-game distance, a winner-take-all Game 5 will head right back to Tampa on Saturday, Oct. 10.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Judge was held out from running after being left off the ALDS roster.
• 1–0 duel was dropped by New York to Tampa Bay in ALDS Game 1.
• Game 2 on Monday takes place at Tropicana Field with New York seeking a win.

While Rodon won’t start the opener, Boone clarified that the left-hander hasn’t been overlooked for the series. “Carlos will probably throw in Game 3 or 4 for us,” Boone told reporters while detailing the postseason rotation.

Even as Aaron Judge’s status remains uncertain while he continues to progress, Boone has locked in his starting pitching plans for the upcoming clash with Tampa Bay.

The Yankees’ captain voiced his determination to return for the ALDS after sitting out the Wild Card round, eager to make his presence felt in what promises to be a hard-fought series.

Boone confirms Yankees’ ALDS rotation

With Cole anchored for Game 1 and Rodon slated for later in the series, Boone outlined the full rotation through a potential Game 5 decider. Here is how the Yankees‘ ALDS rotation shapes up:

• Game 1: Gerrit Cole (lined up to return on regular rest for Game 4, or Rodon)
• Game 2: Cam Schlittler (expected to start Game 2, and Game 5 if necessary)
• Game 3: Max Fried (or Rodon) on extended rest

Boone added that New York will carry 10 to 12 pitchers on its 26-man postseason roster, leaving zero margin for error as the club prepares to face Tampa Bay. Game 1 is set to be played on October 3 at 6:30 p.m. ET in Tropicana Field.

Key takeaways

• Manager Aaron Boone named Gerrit Cole as the Game 1 ALDS starter.
• Carlos Rodon is expected to pitch in Game 3 or 4 for New York.
• The team plans to carry 10 to 12 pitchers on its active roster.

While Judge took live batting practice and worked out at GMS Field, Boone noted that the slugger has not yet progressed to running the bases. “As the day unfolds, we’ll see where we’re at,” Boone told reporters.

Judge sat out the Wild Card round due to a severe calf strain. However, league insiders and MLB analysts anticipate he could return as early as next week, matching the typical timeline for an injury of this severity.

Following comments from ace Gerrit Cole regarding general manager Brian Cashman, the Yankees are aiming to field a fully healthy lineup. They will need every advantage against a well-rested Rays squad that enjoyed a week-long layoff while awaiting this high-stakes ALDS matchup.

Boone weighs pitching decisions ahead of ALDS Game 1

As the Yankees finalize their strategy against Tampa Bay, key roster decisions remain unresolved, particularly regarding the pitching staff for the 26-man ALDS roster.

“We’re going to make our final roster decisions tonight,” Boone said. “It might be 10 pitchers, might be 11, might be 12, we haven’t decided yet. Everyone’s weighing in right now, and everyone’s in play.“

Yankees vs. Rays: ALDS schedule

• Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 3 — Yankees at Rays — 6:30 p.m. ET (Tropicana Field)
• Game 2: Monday, Oct. 5 — Yankees at Rays — 8:00 p.m. ET (Tropicana Field)
• Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 7 — Rays at Yankees — 8:00 p.m. ET (Yankee Stadium)
• Game 4 (if necessary): Thursday, Oct. 8 — Rays at Yankees — 8:00 p.m. ET (Yankee Stadium)
• Game 5 (if necessary): Saturday, Oct. 10 — Yankees at Rays — 6:30 p.m. ET (Tropicana Field)

Key takeaways

• Aaron Boone revealed that the team captain worked out and took live BP, but will wait until the end of the day to decide if playing vs Rays.
• The captain missed the Wild Card round due to a calf strain injury.
• New York may carry 10, 11, or 12 pitchers on their ALDS roster.

Immediately, the fanbase in The Bronx started panicking over what it might mean not only for the 2026 MLB Postseason but looking ahead to the offseason, too. However, before Yankees fans could run away with all sorts of theories, manager Aaron Boone explained the real reason Judge wasn’t introduced along with the rest of his clubhouse teammates.

“Aaron Judge missed the pregame intros because he was receiving treatment, Aaron Boone said,” as reported by Bryan Hoch of MLB.com on X. “Judge is in Somerset today taking live at-bats.“

Positive news for NY Yankees

Although every fan in The Bronx will agree Judge should take any chance he can to get treatment and rehab for his calf strain, some didn’t appreciate the fact that Judge wasn’t out on the field with the rest of the team for player introductions before the series against Boston. “He couldn’t take a break, pause or start it later?” a fan replied to the update.

Still, the majority of the fanbase was pleased to learn there were no sketchy things happening inside the clubhouse and that it was simply a bad-timing issue. Many feared Judge missing the player introductions was related to Boone’s explanation of Judge’s absence for the Wild Card against the Red Sox and that there might be some sort of rift inside the locker room. That appears to be out of the question.

Judge prioritizes his return

Instead, it’s an encouraging sign to learn Judge is still making progress and getting himself ready to return at some point in the 2026 MLB Postseason. In order to do so, however, the Yankees must defeat the Red Sox, and they already know what will happen if they win, tie, or lose in Game 2 of the Wild Card.

Any buzz of a divide between Judge and the rest of the team should be put to rest. In fact, Judge was in the dugout to watch the action and cheer on his teammates during Game 1’s statement 9-0 victory for the home team.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Judge missed pregame intros because he was receiving treatment for a calf strain.
• The franchise player was in Somerset taking live at-bats to prepare his return.
• He remained in the dugout to support the Yankees during their 9-0 victory in Game 1.

Chisholm Jr. has been through the ringer all season long in 2026. As the two-time All-Star is a pending unrestricted free agent once the 2026 MLB Postseason comes to an end, Boone knows he must tread carefully with every decision that affects Chisholm Jr.

New York has seen Jazz grow upset before, and it often spells bad news for the Bronx Bombers. Thus, Boone offered a clear explanation of why he ultimately chose to give Volpe the nod over Chisholm Jr. at 2B. Based on Boone’s admission, Chisholm could be a pinch hitter in Game 1 against Boston at Yankee Stadium. Thus, all hope isn’t yet lost for Jazz.

“My expectation is that [Jazz Chisholm Jr.] will be ready to go and could play a crucial role as early as tonight,” Boone said about Chisholm Jr. despite him being benched to face the Red Sox left-handed, starting pitcher Payton Tolle in Game 1, via MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.

Benching Chisholm Jr. makes sense

Obviously, hindsight will always be 20/20. But on paper, sticking with Volpe at second base and having him start the game against Boston’s lefty pitcher appears to be the right decision. Not only does Volpe (right-handed batter) give New York a platoon advantage in the middle of the batting order, but he also enters the MLB Postseason in rhythm.

Chisholm Jr., on the other hand, has been in and out of the lineup ever since he returned from a 10-day IL stint with a sprained right thumb. In fact, Chisholm Jr. caught heat from Boone in his first game back, which raised questions about whether he can be trusted in defense.

Jazz is also a left-handed batter, so he’s at a disadvantage against southpaw pitchers. Not necessarily against Tolle, though. Going into Game 1, the Yankees have a lone homer against the Red Sox’s lefty starter, and guess whose bat was behind that long ball? That’s right, left-handed Chisholm Jr.

One way or the other, Boone has urged the two-time All Star to stay ready because his number might be called up. “Aaron Boone said he texted Jazz Chisholm Jr. last night, ‘Hey, you might be the most important person in the building, and we need you to be ready to go for the biggest spot potentially.‘,” as reported by Gary Phillips.

Déjà vu for Chisholm Jr. in AL Wild Card

Last year, the Yankees benched Chisholm Jr. in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card against the Red Sox, too, though that time it was left-handed ace Garrett Crochet who threw the first pitch for the visiting BoSox squad. A year later, and with free agency knocking on Chisholm’s door, the second baseman will suffer the same fate.

It worked out last year as the Yankees moved on to the ALDS after defeating the Red Sox in three games, but they did fall in Game 1, when Chisholm Jr. was benched for Amed Rosario before being brought in late in the game for only one at-bat.

Will history repeat itself? Only time will tell, and Boone will definitely take the fall if his plan backfires. As for Chisholm Jr., being benched in the postseason once again might be the detonator for his time in The Bronx.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Boone chose Anthony Volpe over Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base for Game 1.
• Chisholm returned from a sprained right thumb after a 10-day stint on the IL.
• New York defeated Boston in three games during last year’s AL Wild Card series.

“We just feel like he’s not quite there yet,” Boone said regarding Judge’s status, as reported by the New York Daily News‘ Gary Phillips. However, the decision wasn’t made solely by the skipper and his coaching staff, Judge was actively involved in the final call.

Sensing a minor setback in his rehab, Judge acknowledged he wasn’t at 100% for this high-stakes series, prioritizing long-term durability for the Yankees‘ larger goal of deep postseason run and a World Series title.

While power hitters Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham secured spots on the Wild Card roster, Judge remains sidelined due to a persistent calf strain, remaining hopeful that a few extra days of recovery will clear him for the next round.

Judge expected to target return for ALDS

If the Yankees advance past the Red Sox, Judge’s sights are firmly set on a return for the American League Division Series, where New York would face off against the Tampa Bay Rays.

According to The Athletic‘s Chris Kirschner, internal optimism remains high that the slugger will be ready for ALDS action. Boone reinforced that timeline, reiterating, “I don’t think he’s all the way back yet,” making a Wild Card appearance too risky.

When does the ALDS begin for Judge’s potential return?

If New York punches its ticket to the ALDS, Game 1 is scheduled for October 3. In the best-of-five series against Tampa Bay, Judge would have a crucial window to make his postseason impact through a potential Game 4 on October 8.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Boone explained that captain Aaron Judge is not yet fully healthy to play.
• The decisions surrounding Judge’s availability were made cooperatively with the player during recovery.
• A potential return for the slugger could occur on October 3 in the ALDS.

Chisholm Jr., who caught heat from Boone after his first game back from the 10-day injured list, is one of the main decisions the Yankees will have to make ahead of their best-of-three series against Boston. Coming off a right thumb sprain, Chisholm Jr. has played only three MLB games since Sept. 9.

With Anthony Volpe also competing for the second-base job, Boone admitted New York is considering a platoon solution—in which Volpe (right-handed batter) starts against left-handed pitchers and Chisholm Jr. (left-handed batter) does so against righties. Chisholm, whose demeanor is one the Yankees are already familiar with, made his stance clear.

“We’ve seen it. You’ve seen how I felt about not being in games in the playoffs,” Chisholm Jr. commented on potentially missing games in the AL Wild Card series, via NY Daily News. “As a competitor, who wouldn’t be [angry]? It’s the playoffs. You want to play. [The best players should play in the postseason], that’s how I grew up. That’s what I grew up watching and seeing.”

Chisholm Jr. hopes Boone will be straightforward with him

Chisholm Jr. let Boone and New York know how he’d feel about being healthy scratched so the Yankees could start Volpe instead. He also admitted he’ll have an easier time accepting the team’s decision if he hears it directly from the manager rather than being left waiting in the dark.

“I feel like with [Boone], he will come up to me and let me know what’s going on before it’s put out there, which I always respect that out of him,” Chisholm added. “He’s always been good on that side of things.”

As praiseworthy as Chisholm’s message is, it also hides a subtle warning. If Boone isn’t careful in how he treats the two-time All-Star, he risks creating a rift in the relationship, and with Jazz becoming an unrestricted free agent after the postseason, it could be the last straw after a season in which Chisholm Jr. has been through the ringer time and again.

Chisholm Jr. missed playoff games in 2025

Facing the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card and potentially being in the midst of a platoon situation brought back tough memories for Chisholm Jr. During last year’s playoffs, Boone and the Yankees sat Chisholm Jr. and started right-handed batter Amed Rosario when Boston started left-handed ace Garrett Crochet.

Boston has already announced Payton Tolle, another southpaw pitcher, will start Game 1 at Yankee Stadium. Facing a lefty for the majority of the series opener, New York may rather play a right-handed batter (Volpe in this case) over Chisholm’s left-handed bat.

What do they say? The more things change, the more they stay the same. Chisholm Jr. can surely attest to that in consecutive AL Wild Card series against the Red Sox.

Key takeaways

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. expressed frustration over potentially missing playoff games amid a second-base platoon decision.
• Aaron Boone is considering starting right-handed hitter Anthony Volpe against Boston southpaw Payton Tolle.
• Boston previously sat the left-handed hitter in the 2025 postseason against left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet.

“Aaron Judge did some hitting in the cage [on Sunday]. Boone said he’s ‘making progress’. No determination if he’ll be on the roster,” as reported by Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. “We’ll listen to the trainers and medical, and see where we’re at,” Boone admitted.

Considering Boone’s latest update on Judge hadn’t been great news for the Yankees, the fact that there is still room for hope that he will be active in the Wild Card Series (best-of-three) against the Red Sox should be taken as a small win and a step in the right direction for the Bronx Bombers.

It remains to be seen how Judge might return after his stint on the 10-day injured list (IL) with a calf strain, only days removed from his 60-day IL stint with a stress fracture in his first right rib, which cost him over three months of inactivity in the 2026 MLB season.

Boone faces litmus test in AL Wild Card

Playing the entire Wild Card Series at home is an advantage for the Yankees, but it could become a burden for Boone. If New York loses the series to Boston, fans will make themselves heard, and whatever decision Boone makes on Judge, whether he plays or sits, will come with its own backlash.

The smart decision may not be the right one, and which option is correct will only be determined based on how the Yankees fare in a best-of-three series against their despised foes from Massachusetts. To add to the drama, Judge isn’t the only player making progress and, as a result, putting Boone in a tough spot.

Uncertainty around Stanton, Grisham, and Weathers

Although Stanton’s return for the 2026 postseason was always considered a longshot, recent progress gave fans hope. For the time being, however, the odds remain against the veteran designated hitter, whose activation off IL would force Boone to make a decision on Ben Rice, as well.

“Aaron Boone said they haven’t decided if Giancarlo Stanton will be on the wild card roster yet,” according to Chris Kirschner.

Similar scenarios surround Grisham (10-day IL with a hamstring injury) and Weathers (15-day IL with a forearm injury). “Trent Grisham is ‘very much in play’ to make the roster. Ryan Weathers will potentially throw today before a call is made on him being on the roster,” Kirschner’s reports concluded.

Boone can’t afford an early elimination

While the front office is still behind him, Boone is walking on thin ice with the fanbase in The Bronx, and he may not be able to survive an early playoff exit at the hands of the Red Sox.

Some might say the Yankees aren’t truly in a World-Series-or-bust situation, but that’s always the end goal for the Pinstripers. In The Bronx, baseball seasons only matter in October, and Boone’s future in New York could be decided in the biggest month of the year.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Judge hit in the cage on Sunday while recovering from a calf strain.
• Boone remains undecided on including Giancarlo Stanton on the Wild Card roster.
• Trent Grisham is in play for the roster despite a hamstring injury.

Weathers has not played in an official game since late August, meaning he has been inactive for just over a month. If he arrives at the series against the BoSox at full strength, the Pinstripes will undoubtedly have strengthened their roster in some way.

The latest update on Aaron Judge’s condition was not particularly encouraging, so in a way, the news about Weathers is certainly a positive development. The Yankees want to establish themselves as serious World Series contenders.

What injury did Weathers suffer?

Ryan Weathers was having a solid first year in the Bronx after coming over from the Miami Marlins, but his regular season hit a wall back on August 22 against Toronto. The left-hander had to pull himself out in the fourth inning after feeling something off in his throwing arm, which was later diagnosed as a left forearm flexor strain.

While he managed to avoid Tommy John surgery, the injury shut him down for over a month; he’s only just started facing live batters in practice, with hopes of convincing the Yankees he can contribute out of the bullpen during the postseason.

The Yankees want to be contenders

The highly anticipated American League Wild Card Series between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox kicks off on Tuesday, September 29, running through Thursday, October 1 (if a deciding Game 3 is needed). Because the Yankees locked up the #4 seed, the entire best-of-three series will be hosted right in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium.

Looking back at their 2026 regular-season head-to-head matchups, the Yankees held a slight upper hand over their division rivals, winning 7 of the 13 meetings—including a dominant 16-1 blowout victory at home to close out their final regular-season series back in late August.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Boone noted pitcher Ryan Weathers looks healthy and is in play for the AL Wild Card.
• The left-hander was sidelined for over a month due to a left forearm flexor strain.
• New York secured the #4 seed and will host the series at Yankee Stadium.

According to what The New York Post Sports’ Greg Joyce revealed on X, the manager said that Judge has been doing some plyos and has been on the treadmill, but “not a whole lot yet.” It appears that No. 99 still does not have a guaranteed return in the near future.

The Bronx Bombers face a tough Wild Card matchup against the Red Sox, a historic rival who the Yankees know very well from their battles in the AL East. Having Judge back on the field could potentially tip the scales in Boone’s favor, but not at any cost.

Judge’s injury struggles this season

It’s been a brutal, injury-plagued 2026 campaign for Aaron Judge. After missing more than three months with a fractured right rib that kept him sidelined from late May until early September, he barely got seven games under his belt before getting bit by the injury bug again.

This time, a moderate right calf strain landed him right back on the injured list, requiring a plasma injection and leaving Aaron Boone uncertain about whether he will be able to count on his star player at the start of the playoffs.

The Yankees have their eyes on the playoffs

The Yankees are closing out the 2026 regular season today, September 27, hosting the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Once Game 162 is in the books, all eyes turn directly to October baseball: New York secured the #4 seed and will host the rival Boston Red Sox in a high-stakes, best-of-three Wild Card clash right in the Bronx.

That series kicks off on Tuesday, September 29, with Game 2 on Wednesday, September 30, and a deciding Game 3 on Thursday, October 1 if necessary. If Aaron Boone’s men manage to advance past Boston, they’ll move on to the American League Division Series to square off against the top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Boone indicated Aaron Judge is doing treadmill work but is not fully ready.
• The star slugger missed more than three months with a fractured right rib.
• The Yankees secured the #4 seed and will host the Red Sox on Tuesday, September 29.