NBC Sports Loses Star Draw With Aaron Judge Out for Wild Card Series
Judge had previously insisted he would be able to play.
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge will not participate in the team's first-round playoff series against the Boston Red Sox, eliminating a key television draw for NBC Sports. The outfielder is sidelined due to a right calf strain and has not played since September 16. Earlier this season, Judge was sidelined for 99 days due to a fractured rib.
Manager Aaron Boone described the calf strain as "moderate," a characterization that Judge disputed, stating that the severity of injuries can vary. The Yankees roster limit of 26 players and the format of the wild card series, a best-of-three, emphasize the importance of having healthy players and maximum flexibility in-game. Giancarlo Stanton, a designated hitter, is expected to join the roster and make his first appearance since April 24.
The absence of Judge could negatively impact NBC Sports, which has exclusive rights to the wild card round and begins its 26th year of MLB playoff coverage on Tuesday. The Red Sox-Yankees series is scheduled to be broadcast in primetime slots, and the absence of the star player could lead to a loss in viewership. NBC Sports analysts and former Yankees players have expressed concern over the impact of Judge's absence on the broadcast.
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