Boone: It’s ‘realistic’ Judge can return in 3 weeks

NEW YORK — Yankees manager Aaron Boone says it’s “pretty realistic” that injured slugger Aaron Judge will be able to play in a game in three weeks.

Boone made the assessment Friday, a day after Judge’s right wrist was fractured when he was hit by a pitch against Kansas City. Boone said he’s not sure if that time frame means a minor league rehab game or a return to the Yankees’ lineup.

“I think the three weeks is a possibility he’s in a game,” Boone said.

Judge’s wrist isn’t in a cast and the team said the All-Star right fielder won’t need surgery. The Yankees put him on the 10-day disabled list and recalled infielder-outfielder Tyler Wade from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Judge wasn’t available to the media before Friday night’s game against Kansas City. He is hitting .285 with 26 home runs and 61 RBIs.

The Yankees went into the weekend trailing AL East-leading Boston by 41⁄2 games. The teams play four times at Fenway Park next week.

Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray said his right thumb was feeling better a day after it was hit by a hard grounder. The right-hander said he fully expects to make his next start as scheduled.

“I’ll be ready in five days,” he said.

The Yankees also said newly acquired J.A. Happ would make his New York debut Sunday when he starts against the Royals. Toronto traded the lefty on Thursday for infielder Brandon Drury and minor league outfielder Billy McKinney.

Frank Franklin II / Associated Press The Yankees’ Aaron Judge reacts after being hit by a pitch in the first inning of Thursday’s game against the Royals.