The MLB postseason is approaching, and the New York Yankees are facing another concerning Aaron Judge injury situation.

Judge was removed from Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins with lower right leg tightness, just eight days after returning from a 99-day absence caused by a stress fracture in his right rib. 

Aaron Judge leaves game with leg tightness

Sep 14, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) celebrates hitting a three run home run against the Minnesota Twins in the eighth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Judge was pulled in the sixth inning and replaced by Heliot Ramos after going 0-for-2 with two strikeouts. He appeared to grimace during a check swing earlier in the game, and reports indicated he was also moving gingerly in the outfield before eventually leaving. 

The Yankees have not announced that Judge suffered a significant injury, and the exact severity of the leg issue remains unknown. The club is expected to evaluate him further, with Thursday’s off day providing an opportunity for him to rest before New York begins a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. 

That distinction is important. Judge has not been ruled out for Friday, and there is currently no confirmed timetable for an absence.

Yankees can’t afford another extended absence

Sep 12, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) reacts after striking out in the first inning against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The timing is particularly concerning because Judge only recently returned from the rib injury that cost him more than three months.

New York’s offense struggled significantly during his previous absence. From June 2 through Sept. 7, the Yankees ranked near the bottom of MLB in several offensive categories, including 29th in wRC+ and 28th in wOBA, according to the New York Daily News. 

Judge had also only appeared in six games since returning before Wednesday. He entered the game hitting .241 with 18 home runs and 41 RBIs on the season, and his return had already been carefully managed by the Yankees. 

The Yankees have already clinched a postseason berth, so their season is not dependent on making the playoffs. However, Judge’s availability could have a major impact on what New York’s lineup looks like once October arrives.

For now, the biggest question is whether Wednesday’s lower-leg tightness is simply something the Yankees can manage with additional rest or whether it develops into another significant injury. Until the Yankees provide a more definitive update, the severity of Judge’s latest issue remains uncertain. 

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