Aaron Judge left off Yankees wild-card roster as Stanton and Grisham return

The New York Yankees have left Aaron Judge off their roster for the American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox, ending his effort to return for the opening round of the postseason. The roster decision was reported on Tuesday by amNewYork and the Associated Press, with Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham both included.

Watch the highlights:

Judge had taken live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Monday, but his recovery had not extended to running on the field. According to amNewYork, he had been using an anti-gravity treadmill instead. Manager Aaron Boone had said the previous week that the Yankees were preparing for the possibility of beginning their postseason without their captain.

The right-calf strain has kept Judge out since September 16 and followed an earlier lengthy absence with a fractured rib. The Associated Press reported that the 34-year-old appeared in only 66 regular-season games, batting .241 with 18 home runs, 41 runs batted in and an .871 OPS. His September production included one home run and three RBIs.

Stanton's inclusion gives New York a possible designated-hitter option despite his own extended absence. AmNewYork reported that he has not appeared in a major-league game since April 24 and played only 24 games this season. The best-of-three series begins Tuesday night in the Bronx, with the Yankees having settled their roster without Judge despite his participation in Monday's workout.

The Associated Press reported that Stanton's absence involved strains in both calves. Grisham, meanwhile, had been sidelined after straining his right hamstring on September 4. The center fielder was among the 15 position players selected by New York, giving the Yankees two returning players on the roster while their captain remains unavailable for this round.

Boston also included a prominent player coming off a long layoff. Left-hander Garrett Crochet will be available from the bullpen, according to the Associated Press, after not pitching since April 25 because of left-shoulder inflammation. Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said the club would continue assessing him daily, leaving his workload subject to those ongoing checks.