As the New York Yankees aim for a playoff berth, the recent absence of designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton from the lineup has raised eyebrows and concerns among fans. Stanton has been conspicuously missing over the past few games, including significant matchups against the Seattle Mariners, having sat out four of the Yankees’ last nine games. While the team celebrated an impressive 11-2 triumph over the Mariners, questions lingered about the absence of one of their most powerful hitters.
On the surface, some fans began to worry about the possibility of another injury for the 34-year-old slugger, especially given his history of physical setbacks, including a month-long stint on the injured list earlier this season due to a left hamstring strain. However, Stanton himself quelled these concerns by reassuring the media that he is physically fit and his absence from the lineup is a strategic decision based on matchups against specific pitchers. “We’re not gonna make this a story of how I feel,” Stanton stated, highlighting the team’s approach to optimizing their lineup.
When Will Stanton Return?
Manager Aaron Boone’s decision to rotate players has been a recent trend, particularly as the Yankees have been adjusting to the performance of their young outfield prospect, Jasson Dominguez. The 21-year-old has been drawing attention with his energetic play, necessitating some changes in the established veteran lineup. While the call-up of Dominguez offers exciting potential, it raises questions about the decision to occasionally platoon a powerhouse like Stanton with less proven hitters.
Giancarlo Stanton said that he is fine physically and that he has been out of the lineup the last two games for matchup reasons. He has been told that he will play tomorrow.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) September 18, 2024
Statistically, Stanton has posted a solid season despite a rough patch this month, hitting .233 with 25 home runs and 64 RBIs. His ability to draw attention from opposing pitchers often leads to more favorable opportunities for his teammates. The Yankees have thrived with him in the lineup, boasting a 66-39 record in games that Stanton has played this season. With the postseason looming, maximizing Stanton’s contributions becomes paramount.
Boone’s strategy of utilizing Stanton against more favorable matchups is logical, especially considering Stanton’s struggles against left-handed pitchers this year. Sitting him against a right-handed starter, like Bryan Woo or Bryce Miller, is a calculated risk, albeit one that frustrates some fans eager to see the lineup’s strongest players on the field.
As the Yankees prepare for their crucial series finale against the Mariners, Stanton has been assured that he will return to action on Thursday. With October approaching, both fans and analysts alike hope that Stanton’s brief respite will reinvigorate him for the postseason push. Ultimately, ensuring that one of New York’s key offensive weapons is primed for playoff contention should be a top priority, leveraging his prowess to secure pivotal wins in the coming weeks.