ARLINGTON, Texas — The Aaron Judge watch has gone from amazing to awkward, as Judge, once on pace to leave Roger Maris’ American League and franchise home run record in the dust, was on the verge of ending the season tied with the former Yankee slugger.

Judge didn’t homer in the first game of Tuesday’s split doubleheader against the Rangers, a 5-4 Yankee win, leaving him with just Tuesday’s nightcap and Wednesday’s regular-season finale at Globe Life Field to make history.

After Judge popped out to end the top of the fifth, he slammed his helmet into the helmet rack, an unusual display of emotion from the even-keeled slugger.

And unlike in earlier stretches in which Judge went without a home run, this time, he’s not hitting much at all.

After getting one hit Tuesday afternoon, he’s 7-for-35 with a double, a homer, 17 walks and 14 strikeouts in a dozen games since tying Babe Ruth’s former home run record of 60.

“He’s gotten some pitches to hit here the last couple days and generally he’s gotten a good swing off and fouled it off,’’ manager Aaron Boone said. “That’s usually the fine line [between] when you’re really rolling or just a tick off. Good pitches [to hit], instead of sticking them, like he has 61 times — and even more, obviously — he’s fouled some balls off.”

The Yankees will have five days off following Wednesday heading into Game 1 of the ALDS on Oct. 11, and prior to Tuesday’s games, Boone said he’s not worried about whether Judge gets the home run record.

“He’s the MVP of the league,’’ Boone said. “We’re talking about an historic record, obviously, so hopefully he gets it. But I don’t think … either way it doesn’t put a damper on what’s been an historically great season. Either way, he’s gonna be in a good spot heading into the postseason.”

In Tuesday’s opener, Judge grounded to short to lead off the game, flied to right in the third, popped out in the fifth and singled to center in the eighth.

Everything to know about Aaron Judge and his chase for the home run record:

Kyle Higashioka walked with two outs in the top of the ninth to get Judge back to the plate again, which led to the loudest roars of the afternoon.

“That was the best ovation I’ve had for a walk,’’ Higashioka said. “It shows how much fans want it for him and how excited they are for one extra chance. … As teammates, we all want this for him, too. The chance to give him more opportunities, you push your hardest to get it done.”

Judge, though, grounded to shortstop.

Oswaldo Cabrera put the Yankees up early with a homer in the top of the first, but they fell behind 2-1 in the bottom half when Josh Jung singled to right with two on and two out. The hit scored Nathaniel Lowe easily from second, but Adolis Garcia only came around after Marwin Gonzalez repeatedly — and inexplicably — pump-faked throws to the infield.

Oswald Peraza’s first major league home run in the second tied the game, and Peraza scored on an Omar Gonzalez single in the fifth to put the Yankees ahead.

But Jameson Taillon gave up a two-run shot to Garcia in the bottom of the inning.

Higashioka continued his good stretch at the plate when he opened the eighth with his 10th home run of the season to tie the game again.

Judge singled to center, moved to second when Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch before Cabrera bunted both runners over and Harrison Bader singled to left to drive in Judge and give the Yankees a 5-4 lead.

Jonathan Loaisiga closed it out with a scoreless ninth for the save.