Why the Yankees think Aaron Judge is on the verge of retirement

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge had nothing to show for it, but he made three loud outbursts Wednesday night that made those around him think he was on the verge of an outburst.

In the Yankees' 3-2 victory over the Royals in Game 3 of the ALDS, Judge went 0-for-4 with a walk to fall to 1-for-11 in the series with three walks.

But the first out was a line drive smoked at 114.4 mph into the outstretched glove of shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., and the other two flyball outs came at 99.2 mph and 90.2 mph per hour off the bat, suggesting Judge is getting closer and closer to clicking.

“I didn’t get any hits, so it doesn’t feel too good,” Judge said. “But we are exactly where we need to be.”

Hitting coach James Rowson had said before Game 3 that Judge was in “good position” even though his only hit so far was an infield single, continuing a recent trend of quiet October.

But Judge has the ability to change that in one fell swoop.

“He’s definitely going to do some damage,” said Giancarlo Stanton, who hit the go-ahead home run in the eighth inning. “It's just a matter of time. He’s got good at-bats, so yeah, it’ll come when we need him most.”

Judge also hit a check swing in the seventh inning that he appeared to be able to stop, but first base umpire Mark Carlson said it was overturned.

“His swing was a lot better,” Alex Verdugo said. “He missed almost three balls. He’s in a good spot.”

Unless the Yankees win, or at least reach, the World Series, there will almost certainly be outside questions about Boone's job security since there is a team option in his contract for next year.

When asked about Boone's status on Wednesday, GM Brian Cashman said Wednesday that Boone has done a “great job” this season.

“We're definitely glad to have him as our manager,” Cashman said before the Yankees' Game 3 win. “We have the best record in the American League (and) won the AL East. Now we will try to win the postseason and climb to the top.”

Speculation about Boone's job has become an annual tradition, especially as the Yankees remain far from reaching the World Series.

However, there is no sign that Cashman or Hal Steinbrenner have considered a move, and the increasing unpredictability of the playoffs may even confirm that theory.

With Hurricane Milton expected to devastate Tampa in the coming days, the Yankees have closed facilities at their player development complex.

They suspended the instructional leagues and moved minor league players and other players they were supposed to be prepared for in case they were needed in the postseason from Tampa to New York.

Several Yankees players also have homes in the area.

“It’s an uncertain time,” Boone said. “You pray for the best and hope for safety.”

For the second time in three games, Cabrera started at first base after Jon Berti was called up for Game 2 as the Yankees deal with the absence of Anthony Rizzo.

When asked about the decision to choose Cabrera on Wednesday, Boone replied: “I don’t know. I have great confidence in Oswaldo. Especially (because) he had a really good second half of the season with us.”

Both Cabrera, who was 0-1 but drew three walks, and Berti played well defensively.

Boone added of Cabrera that he “has a lot of confidence wherever I put him on the field. “I thought he did really well in Game 1.”

As for Rizzo, who remains sidelined with two broken fingers, Cashman said there was no discussion about whether Rizzo would be available if the Yankees advanced to the ALCS.