Aaron Judge dismisses rumors suggesting he will be shut down for season after Yankees elimination: “I’m planning on being out there"

Aaron Judge confirmed that he plans to be on the field for the rest of the New York Yankees games despite the team missing out on the postseason. The Yankees were eliminated from the playoff race after their loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Judge has missed almost one-third of the regular season due to a right toe ligament tear that he sustained in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in early June. He was earlier put on the 10-day IL due to a hamstring injury he suffered in May.

The captain's absence contributed to the Yankees' underperformance. They currently have a 78-77 record and will miss the postseason for the first time in seven years.

The Bombers are expected to bring in different players into the lineup and rest some of their regulars. But Aaron Judge explained his decision to stay in the side and play out the season.

“I’m planning on being out there,” Judge said. “There was talks of stuff getting shut down, but I gotta be out there. A leader on this team, especially with these young guys we got coming up, you gotta show them that you gotta post even if you’re not feeling good, not feeling great. You gotta be out there every single day for your teammates. So yeah, I’m going to be out there.”

Aaron Judge might avoid toe surgery

When Judge returned at the end of July, he was not at 100%. The New York management explained that he was back in the lineup because playing wouldn't have any drastic effects on his injury.

Looking at Judge's fitness over the last few months, some rest during the offseason should be enough to battle any persistent problems in his right toe. He has played 50 out of the 55 games since his return.