KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Aaron Judge had nothing to show for it, but made three loud noises Wednesday night that made those around him think he was about to break out.

In the Yankees’ 3-2 victory over the Royals in Game 3 of the ALDS, Judge went 0-for-4 with a walk to fall to 1-for-11 with three walks in the series.

But the first out was a line drive that flew into the outstretched glove of shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. at 110.4 mph. smoked, and the other two flyball outs came off the bat at 99.2 mph and 90.2 mph, indicating Judge is getting closer to clicking.

“I didn’t take any hits, so it doesn’t feel too good,” Judge said. “But we are exactly where we need to be.”

Hitting coach James Rowson had said before Game 3 that Judge was in a “good spot” despite his only hit to date being an infield single, continuing a recent trend of a quiet October.

But Judge has the ability to change that with one fell swoop.

“He’s definitely going to do some damage,” said Giancarlo Stanton, who sparked a home run in the eighth inning. “It’s only a matter of time. He’s had good at-bats, so yeah, it’ll come when we need him most.

Judge also struck out in the seventh inning on a check swing that he appeared to hold, but first base umpire Mark Carlson said he went around.

“His swing was much better,” Alex Verdugo said. “He just missed three balls. He’s in a good place.”

Unless the Yankees win — or at least reach — the World Series, there will almost certainly be outside questions about Boone’s job security, as there is a team option on his contract for next year.

When asked Wednesday about Boone’s status, general manager Brian Cashman said Wednesday that Boone has done a “great job” this season.

“We’re certainly happy to have him as our manager,” Cashman said before the Yankees’ victory in Game 3. “We have the best record in the American League (and) won the AL East. Now we’re going to try to win the postseason and climb all the way to the top.”

Speculation about Boone’s job has become an annual tradition, especially as the Yankees’ trajectory without reaching a World Series has continued.

But there’s no indication that Cashman or Hal Steinbrenner have considered a change, and the increasing unpredictability of the playoffs could even strengthen that theory.

With Hurricane Milton expected to devastate Tampa in the coming days, the Yankees closed their facilities at their player development complex.

They have suspended instructional leagues and moved minor leaguers and others they want ready in case they are needed in the postseason from Tampa to New York.

Several Yankees players also have homes in the area.

“It’s an uncertain time,” Boone said. “You pray for the best and hope for safety.”

For the second time in three games, Cabrera got the start at first base after Jon Berti was called up for Game 2 as the Yankees dealt with the absence of Anthony Rizzo.

Asked about the decision to go with Cabrera on Wednesday, Boone said, “I don’t know. I have a lot of confidence in Oswaldo. Especially because he had a very good second half of the season with us.”

Both Cabrera, who went 0-for-1 but walked three times, and Berti played well defensively.

Boone added of Cabrera that he has “a lot of confidence wherever I put him on the field. I thought he handled himself really well in Game 1.”

As for Rizzo, who remains out with two broken fingers, Cashman said they haven’t discussed whether Rizzo would be available if the Yankees advance to the ALCS.