Paul Goldschmidt Returns To Yankees’ Lineup In Time For St. Louis Finale

Paul Goldschmidt was back in the Yankees’ lineup Sunday, returning just in time for the series finale in St. Louis, the city where he built an MVP résumé and became the face of the Cardinals. The veteran first baseman had missed three straight games after tweaking his right knee Tuesday night, but the Yankees were adamant he did not need to go on the injured list.

Goldschmidt’s return comes at an important juncture.

The Yankees’ lineup has been stretched thin with Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge both limited. Stanton is dealing with soreness after playing in the outfield three straight days. His first time back in the outfield since 2023 was required because Judge is limited to DH by an elbow injury.

Getting their veteran first baseman back restores some stability and it does so in a ballpark that still remembers his 2022 MVP season.

For New York, Goldschmidt has been exactly what they expected when they acquired him over the winter. He's given them steady, professional at-bats, and a dependable glove at first. He’s hitting .276 with 10 home runs, 40 RBIs, and a .753 OPS this year. They aren't MVP numbers, but they have provided a consistent anchor in the middle of Aaron Boone’s order.

He’s also given the Yankees much-needed lineup balance when their younger bats have gone quiet.

Sunday’s game carries a bit of nostalgia, with Goldschmidt back in Busch Stadium wearing road gray instead of Cardinals red. But it’s also a reminder of where the Yankees are headed.

At 37 and on a one-year deal, Goldschmidt may not be part of the long-term picture. Rookie Ben Rice is pushing for everyday at-bats, and the Yankees are expected to give him a regular role at first base next season unless he shifts into a permanent catching spot.

For now, though, the Yankees welcome back a former MVP who still lengthens their lineup. In the middle of August, that’s exactly what they need.