Boone still hoping Judge will be ready for Opening Day

TAMPA, Fla. — Linden High product Aaron Boone is still holding out hope that Aaron Judge will be in his lineup on Opening Day — even after New York Yankees manager Brian Cashman said it would be unlikely at this point. Cashman said that he will not rule out Judge until they know what is ailing his right shoulder or pectoral area.

“I just, I don’t know. I mean, I think we’re gonna sit here and speculate. I think it’s premature,” Boone said after the Yankees’ 9-1 win over the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “I understand you want the answer on it but, you know, the bottom line is (he’s) been doing better the last few days so until we get to the bottom of what exactly is going on. If anything, then we’ll have a better idea.”

Boone has been encouraged throughout this process that Judge is close to returning to baseball activities. Tuesday, however, the slugger was not active. Instead, Judge had two more medical tests and by early evening, the Yankees were not revealing the results.

“I think most of the tests are being finished up today,” Boone said.

Earlier, before the game, Cashman has said it would be hard with just three-and-ahalf weeks left in spring training to expect Judge to be ready for the March 26 opener in Baltimore.

“I don’t see it right now,” the GM said. “It’s more likely than not, I don’t see him ready by Opening Day, because of the time frame.”

Boone said that players can ramp up at different paces.