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Aaron Judge will not be on the New York Yankees' roster for the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, a source confirmed to ESPN on Saturday.

Judge, a cornerstone of the Yankees’ lineup, has been a key contributor during the regular season and the postseason run that brought the club to this playoff stage. His absence is therefore a notable change to a team that has relied on his power hitting and defensive presence in left field. While the Yankees have a deep roster, the loss of a player of Judge’s caliber can influence both the strategic approach and the morale of the squad, especially as the series will test the team's depth and adaptability in a high‑pressure environment.

The Yankees face a tough series against the Rays, who have proven to be a formidable opponent in recent playoff matchups. Without Judge, the Yankees will need to shuffle their lineup and possibly rely more heavily on other veteran hitters and emerging players to fill the offensive gap. The decision also raises questions about the timing of any injury or health issue that led to his exclusion, though no official statement has yet been released. Analysts will be watching how the Yankees adjust their batting order and defensive alignments to compensate for the missing power.

Moving forward, the Yankees’ coaching staff will likely finalize their lineup in the coming days, weighing options that balance offensive production with defensive stability. Judge’s status will remain a topic of interest for fans and analysts alike, as any change could impact the team’s performance in the high‑stakes environment of the ALDS