The Yankees submitted a 26-man roster to MLB on Oct 4, 2026 for the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays. Aaron Judge was not added. The series opens Oct 5.
The roster is set under playoff rules. Teams carry 26 players, 13 pitchers.
Overview of Yankees ALDS roster announcement timing and 26-man rules
MLB requires ALDS rosters 24 hours before Game 1. The Yankees announced cuts on Oct 4. No changes are allowed after submission except for injuries.
The roster includes 13 pitchers and 13 position players.
Context of Yankees vs Rays ALDS matchup and playoff stakes
New York won the AL East. Tampa Bay took the wild card. The winner advances to the ALCS.
Game 1 is at Yankee Stadium.
Will Aaron Judge be on the Yankees ALDS roster?
No. MLB.com reported Aaron Judge not added to 2026 ALDS roster. ESPN confirmed the decision on Oct 4.
Judge remains on the injured list with a right calf strain.
Is Judge playing Game 1 or ruled out for ALDS?
He is ruled out for Game 1. Manager Aaron Boone said the team will not rush him back.
Availability for later games is still uncertain.
Official roster moves, additions, and cuts confirmed by MLB
The Yankees added reliever Mark Leiter Jr. and outfielder Jasson Dominguez. Infielder Oswald Peraza was cut.
Pitcher Luis Gil was left off due to elbow inflammation.
Official Yankees ALDS Roster 2026: Confirmed Players
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Starting Rotation | Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, Max Fried |
| Bullpen | Clay Holmes, Luke Weaver, Tommy Kahnle, Tim Hill, Jonathan Loaisiga, Mark Leiter Jr., Ian Hamilton |
| Starters w/o Judge | Anthony Volpe SS, Jazz Chisholm Jr. 2B, Aaron Boone DH?, Giancarlo Stanton RF, Alex Verdugo LF, Jasson Dominguez CF, Oswaldo Cabrera 3B, Austin Wells C |
| Bench | DJ LeMahieu 1B/3B, Jon Berti UT, Trent Grisham OF, Jose Trevino C |
Aaron Judge Injury Update and ALDS Availability
MLB.com noted Judge did not travel with the team to Tampa. He is rehabbing in New York.
ESPN reported the Yankees are monitoring his calf daily. No timetable for return was given.
Boone said the team is preparing with and without Judge.
MLB Playoffs: Judge or No Judge, Yankees Will Be Ready for Rays
The Yankees will start Giancarlo Stanton in right field and use Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base.
Protection in the lineup drops without Judge. Stanton moves to the middle of the order.
Boone said the plan does not change. The pitching staff is the priority.
Yankees vs Rays ALDS Roster Moves and Tactical Analysis
Tampa Bay will start Shane McClanahan, Tyler Glasnow and Taj Bradley.
New York has a platoon advantage against lefties with Grisham and Dominguez.
Roster flexibility is limited. No doubleheaders are scheduled in the ALDS.
Final Predictions and What to Watch Game 1
Projected Yankees Game 1 lineup: Volpe SS, Chisholm Jr. 2B, Stanton RF, Verdugo LF, Dominguez CF, Wells C, Cabrera 3B, LeMahieu 1B.
Judge status decision timeline is before first pitch of Game 3.
Live roster updates are posted on MLB.com and ESPN.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Will Aaron Judge be on the Yankees ALDS roster?
- A: No. MLB.com and ESPN confirmed on Oct 4, 2026 that Aaron Judge was not added to the ALDS roster as he remains on the injured list with a right calf strain.
- Q: Is Aaron Judge playing Game 1 of the ALDS?
- A: No. Judge is ruled out for Game 1 on Oct 5. Manager Aaron Boone said the team will not rush him back, and availability for later games remains uncertain.
- Q: When was the Yankees ALDS roster submitted?
- A: The Yankees submitted their 26-man roster to MLB on Oct 4, 2026, 24 hours before Game 1, per playoff rules. No changes are allowed after submission except for injuries.
- Q: Who was added and cut from the Yankees ALDS roster?
- A: Additions include reliever Mark Leiter Jr. and outfielder Jasson Dominguez. Infielder Oswald Peraza was cut and pitcher Luis Gil was left off due to elbow inflammation.
Extended Reading
ESPN: MLB playoffs 2026 New York Yankees ALDS Aaron Judge status Tampa Bay Rays.
MLB.com: Yankees Aaron Judge injury update ahead of ALDS.
Yahoo Sports: Aaron Judge’s availability for Yankees in ALDS vs Rays still uncertain.