Aaron Judge Smashes Three-Run Home Run As Yankees Clinch Postseason Berth

Aaron Judge launched his 18th home run of the season, a majestic three-run shot to left field, powering the Yankees to an 8-3 victory over Minnesota that officially clinched their playoff berth. The blast marked his first homer since returning from a three-month IL stint for a broken right rib and quelled timing concerns after a slow start. Manager Aaron Boone plans to give Judge Wednesday off before ramping him up for the final weeks of the regular season.