Despite protests from fans who call into local sports talk radio programs, the New York Yankees confirmed on Thursday that they had signed manager Aaron Boone to a two-year contract extension through the 2027 season.

But the crowd at Steinbrenner Field will not see the reigning AL MVP in Friday’s opener and instead will have to wait an extra week to watch him in action this spring, as manager Aaron Boone has circled March 1 as Judge’s likely spring debut.

The 32-year-old is surely itching to officially put that devastating moment behind him. The best way to do that is by doing what he does best: tearing the cover off the baseball. Well, fans will have to wait a bit longer before seeing Judge compete in a game.