PHOENIX — The great Aaron Judge hitting the injured list in the final days of the season with a calf strain is about the worst blow a team can endure. The Yankees’ World Series hopes are surely diminished today. But that doesn’t mean they’re quite done yet. 

Judge isn’t eligible to be activated until game No. 162 now, and though the Yankees aren’t ruling out a return, it’s hard to imagine he would be in game shape if he somehow does beat the odds and makes it back this season. As per usual, Judge and the Yankees aren’t saying much about his prognosis, but the clubhouse pall told an unhappy tale. 

But wouldn’t it be something if they won the pennant without Judge? 

It won’t be easy of course. But it’s not impossible. Call me pollyana, but I say, yes, it’s possible, and it’s not just because October is close to a crapshoot.