Aaron Judge continues to look good heading toward a potential activation from the IL on Saturday.

Manager Aaron Boone told reporters on Tuesday that Judge, who is suffering from a calf strain, took batting practice and he was hopeful that he can keep this pace up.

"I hope so," Boone said when asked if Judge will be activated on Saturday. "I know he's feeling really good. We'll see where he is at the end of the week."

Judge did say himself that he begged the Yankees not to put him on the IL, but they did so out of caution.

"I was trying to beg them to give me a couple days and have me ready tomorrow, but it is what it is," Judge said earlier this week. "I think they're just kind of looking out for me so it doesn't get worse. Calves may start mild, but if you push them, they may turn into a Grade 1 or a Grade 2 (strain)."

The 6-foot-7 slugger was red hot at the plate before suffering from this injury, belting nine homers and collecting 20 RBI over 17 games. Though the Yankees are in the midst of a six-game winning streak heading into their series with the Rays on Tuesday night, having Judge back with Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu also on the IL would be a big boost to the lineup.

But Boone won't promise anything before the week ends. And that's even with Judge saying he's 100 percent.

All indications, though, point to No. 99 being back in right field very soon.

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