Aaron Judge injury explained: What is Yankees star facing? Surgeon talks possible return, risk

The Yankees are facing a somber situation as Aaron Judge returns to the injury list with a right calf strain, potentially sidelining him for the entire season. This comes less than two weeks after Judge had returned from a fractured rib that had sidelined him for 88 games. His eligibility to be activated for the regular-season finale, game 162, is just under two weeks away.

The severity of the strain is unclear, with the Yankees and Judge remaining tight-lipped about the specifics. Dr. Spencer Stein, an NYU Langone Health sports orthopedic surgeon, explains that the recovery time could range from two weeks (for a Grade 1 strain) to several months (for a severe Grade 3 tear). However, even the best-case scenario of a swift recovery is not guaranteed, as Judge's previous injury in April, a Grade 1 calf strain, has yet to yield a full return.

Rushing back to play could lead to another setback, with up to a 50% chance of re-injury in such cases. The location of the strain, in the soleus muscle which is heavily engaged in activities like standing and walking, adds to the risk. If Judge is forced to return to right field instead of his usual DH role, he risks further injury.