When the New York Yankees begin their wild-card series, Aaron Judge wants to be in the lineup.
The three-time MVP confirmed as much to ESPN's Jorge Castillo on Wednesday, saying he intends to play Game 1 of the first-round tilt at Yankee Stadium next Tuesday, despite an ongoing calf injury.
"That's what the plan is," Judge said to Castillo. "Try to get my body ready so I'm ready to go."
Yankees manager Aaron Boone had told reporters Tuesday that the team planned to play the series without Judge after he received an injection on a sore calf, but it appears the 34-year-old is trying to push for an earlier return.
He told Castillo he discussed his prognosis with decision-makers, but he has "no idea" whether he will be on the official roster for the series.
"We've got games to win," Judge said. "I'm getting paid to play games for the New York Yankees, so I'll get back as soon as I can."
Judge was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a moderately strained soleus muscle, which is in the lower part of his calf, and is awaiting clearance to resume activity on the affected leg.
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