Tampa Bay Rays manager reveals ‘certain disappointment’ with Aaron Judge during ALDS matchup

Kevin Cash was asked about his reaction to Aaron Judge not playing for the New York Yankees, and it was a surprising response from the Rays manager.

The New York Yankees swept the Boston Red Sox without their superstar Aaron Judge in the mix. The belief had been, though, that he would return if the team made it to the ALDS. That's not how things worked out in the end, much to the disappointment of Yankees fans.

News broke ahead of their Game 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays that Judge had been left off the team's 26-man active roster for the series. This was a crushing blow, made even more apparent by New York's scoreless Game 1 performance where the bats went cold.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash says the MLB wants to see its best players on the field during the playoffs

If one person had more reason to be happy with Judge's absence than most, it was the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, Kevin Cash. He was asked about the superstar missing the series after Game 1, and his answer proved to be a rather surprising one.

"My reaction… Look, there was a lot of conversation about it," Cash told the press. "I totally respect Aaron Judge and what he means to that team. But I also respect that Major League Baseball needs to see its best players playing on a stage like this.

"So, certain disappointment with that. But knowing that he is not lurking on the bench and coming around hitting second and third is probably a benefit."

Cash's answer shows the belief he has in his team. The manager seemingly would rather face the team with Judge in the lineup than have fans deprived of watching his greatness in the postseason. A surprising answer, to be sure, but also a great one considering the situation.