Giancarlo Stanton Update Emerges After Removal From Yankees Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 19, 2026 1:17 PM ET

The New York Yankees still have one of the best offenses in MLB, but one player who needs to get going is designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton.

Through his first 20 games of the season, the 36-year-old veteran has posted a .240 batting average, .296 on-base percentage, .656 OPS, two home runs and 10 RBIs.

For a player who has not taken the field all season and whose only responsibility at this stage is to hit, the production is concerning.

Still, if anyone can turn it around, it is Stanton, a former MVP, five-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger. It is also encouraging simply to see him in the lineup consistently after years of injuries limiting his availability.

New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27)© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

As the Yankees prepare for their series finale against the Kansas City Royals, the club is looking for the sweep as they continue battling for first place in the American League East.

However, for Sunday’s game they will be without Stanton, who was removed from the lineup. Left-handed slugger Ben Rice will get the start at designated hitter, with Paul Goldschmidt taking over at first base.

Fortunately for New York, Stanton is not injured. His absence was planned. When speaking with reporters on Saturday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that this alignment was expected.

“Giancarlo Stanton will likely be out of the lineup tomorrow, per Boone, giving him a double off day going into the Red Sox series,” reported Greg Joyce of the New York Post. Stanton could still potentially pinch-hit, but that would likely be his only appearance.

Giancarlo Stanton will likely be out of the lineup tomorrow, per Boone, giving him a double off day going into the Red Sox series.
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) April 18, 2026

With New York scheduled for an off day on Monday, Stanton will receive two full days away from the grind. That break could be exactly what he needs to reset and get back on track at the plate as the Yankees enter a key stretch of their schedule.

Stanton is currently in his ninth season in the Bronx, still in the midst of his 13-year, $325 million contract extension signed when he was with the Miami Marlins. He remains in search of winning his first World Series title, and time is running out.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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