Judge’s shoulder — andd multimulti-homer clout — look as strong as ever

TAMPA — The decision to take it slow with Aaron Judge’s surgically repaired left shoulder at the beginning of spring training appears to have paid off.

With five exhibition games remaining, Judge’s bat looks ready to open the season, which starts March 29 against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

“It’s getting there,’’ Judge said after swatting two homers in Wednesday night’s 9-4 win over the Orioles, in which he played all nine innings with Didi Gregorius and Aaron Hicks. “You want to make sure you peak on Opening Day and not before.’’

Earlier in the day, Giancarlo Stanton said he noticed Judge wasn’t satisfied with hitting 52 homers and driving in 114 runs, which won him the AL Rookie of the Year award last year.

“Stats don’t carry over, nobody cares about last year,’’ Judge said.

Judge also said almost not making the team out of spring training a year ago is burnt into his memory.

“You can’t forget that, you never forget that,’’ Judge said.

Aaron Boone plans to hit Judge second for his ability to get on base and his power. With two walks, Judge provided both.

“I feel like he’s been good for a couple of weeks. He’s winning a lot of pitches,’’ Boone said. With Tyler Austin and Billy McKinney joining Giovanny Gallegos and Ben Heller being optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, the final roster spot will be filled with a reliever. The Yankees still are deciding whether it will be a long or short man. Among the candidates are Domingo German, Jonathan Holder, Luis Cessa and possibly Wade LeBlanc, the only lefty in the group. LeBlanc would need to be put on the 40-man roster.

Jacoby Ellsbury knows Opening Day is rapidly approaching, but didn’t offer an opinion of whether he will start the season on the disabled list.

“I’m focusing on what I can this next week,’’ Ellsbury said.

“Right now it’s early work.’’

Asked if it was realistic to think he can play March 29, Ellsbury didn’t say yes or no.

“I’ve been doing everything I can when not playing,’’ said Ellsbury, who hasn’t played since March1 due to an oblique problem and then the flu this past weekend. “The oblique feels great. I’m looking forward to getting back on the field. I’ll have a better idea of what to expect after today.’’ Boone informed Tyler

Wade on Monday the 23year-old had made the team. Boone told the media on Tuesday, and Wade was congratulated by teammates Wednesday.

“I was nervous. It’s my first Opening Day with the team I grew up watching,’’ said Wade, who Boone says will get at-bats while playing second, third and short.

Brian Cashman said the Yankees didn’t go after free-agent pitcher Alex

Cobb, who agreed to a fouryear deal worth $57 million with the Orioles.

“Never had a conversation, really,’’ the Yankees’ GM said.