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Yankees made unexpected Paul Goldschmidt decision after Giancarlo Stanton news

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 4:45 PM ET

The New York Yankees are eight games ahead of the Los Angeles Angels in the AL standings.

A key difference for the Yankees in their Monday matchup with the Angels was star slugger Giancarlo Stanton's arrival. The five-time All-Star made his first appearance of the season after rehabbing elbow injuries.

Stanton went 2-for-4, batted fifth as the designated hitter behind left fielder Cody Bellinger and in front of third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone sat first baseman Paul Goldschmidt for the first time this season.

Boone explained his decision before the game, via The New York Daily News' Gary Phillips.

"We'll have to work a little bit of a rotation there. G will be part of that," he said. "So I expect him to play regularly, but he'll have his days too, and we'll just kind of let this thing shake out. "

"I've talked to the guys about it," he continued. "We're gonna have a couple good players sitting over there every single day that you can make the case should be in the lineup. We're all on the same page with it and ready to roll."

With Giancarlo Stanton back, the #Yankees are going to have a bit of a rotation in their lineup, Aaron Boone said. Hence Paul Goldschmidt not playing today for matchup reasons.

Stanton will be part of that rotation. Here's more on it from Boone:

"We'll have to work a little bit…
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) June 16, 2025