PHOENIX — As is their only way, the Yankees are saying as little as possible about Aaron Judge’s latest ailment. In keeping with the traditions of another well-known group of New Yorkers famed for the strict code of secrecy, nobody knows nuttin’. 

“I don’t have a timeline on it,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I can’t predict anything.” 

There are no definites or even educated guesses forthcoming, only hints — none of them positive following Judge’s placement on the injured list with a dreaded right calf strain. Pregame Friday, before the Yankees laid a 9-2 whipping on the contending Diamondbacks and their ace Eduardo Rodriguez, a pall was cast on their usually even-keeled clubhouse. 

The biggest hint of all came from Judge, who chose not to meet with the media, either pregame or postgame Friday. If he had something encouraging to say about his chances to return this season, he’d surely want to tell his millions of fans, no?