Yankees star Aaron Judge is doing everything he can to play this postseason, and intends to be available when New York starts its Wild Card series next Tuesday.

Speaking with ESPN's Jorge Castillo on Wednesday, the two-time reigning AL MVP made those intentions clear.

"That's what the plan is," Judge said. "Try to get my body ready so I'm ready to go."

The Yankees placed Judge on the IL with a right calf strain this past Saturday, which put an end to his regular season. However, the possibility of the Yankee captain returning has been one of the biggest storylines as the MLB playoffs begin.

Yankees skipper Aaron Boone, while not ruling Judge out completely, said he wasn't expecting the slugger to be an option in the Wild Card round.

"We're planning on him not being a part of that," Boone said at the time.

Prior to Wednesday's game with the Rays, Boone said that the process for Judge has started and is ongoing.

Judge told ESPN that he's had plenty of talks with Yankees decision-makers about his condition, and that he's unsure if he'll make the Wild Card roster

While Judge's career numbers would make him a much-needed boost to the Yankees offense, the slugger struggled when he returned from a fractured rib injury he suffered in May.
He went 4-for-23 with 13 strikeouts, one walk and one home run upon his return.

There's also the funky roster. If Judge is unable to play the outfield, the DH spot is already taken up by Ben Rice. If Rice plays first base, that means Luis Garcia Jr. will have to sit.

Judge's health and roster construction are factors that Boone and the organization must weigh before they take the field next Tuesday. But as Judge enters another postseason in pinstripes, he's trying to get on the field as quickly as possible.

"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."

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