Yankees’ Boone Explains Giancarlo Stanton’s Absence After Two Homer Power Show

TAMPA -- Giancarlo Stanton returned to the Yankees lineup Tuesday night and wasted no time making an impact. After missing three games with what the team called “general soreness,” Stanton homered twice in a 13-3 win over the Rays.

Less than 24 hours later, he was out of the lineup again.

The Yankees are trying to manage Stanton carefully, and so Yankees manager Aaron Boone stuck to the plan that had been in place before this two-game series with the Rays started. 

After playing three straight games in the outfield last week, something he had not done in nearly two years, the 35-year-old needed rest. He missed three games in St. Louis with "general soreness."

Boone was able to lift him in the sixth inning Tuesday, but the manager said there was never even a thought of playing him Wednesday.

“He’s doing well,” Boone said. “But I want to listen with the last several days. I’ve been understanding, obviously, you know, we’re starting every day, late night, home into the Boston series. So no consideration.”

With Aaron Judge still limited to designated hitter duties while he builds back hi s throwing program, the Yankees have no choice but to use Stanton in the outfield when he plays. That makes managing his workload tricky, especially with the schedule grinding toward September.

It’s particularly hard to manage considering Stanton's long history of injuries and the fact that he is the Yankees’ hottest hitter this month. 

He is hitting .306 with 14 home runs and 38 RBIs this season, carrying a .1.005 OPS that ranks among the best in the lineup. He has been especially dangerous in August, batting .394 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in 12 games.

Tuesday’s two-homer night was another reminder of how much punch he brings. His bat can change the feel of a game very quickly. 

The challenge for Boone is keeping him upright and in the lineup through October. 

Yankees need Stanton on the field right now, even if it means not having him in the lineup every day.