Stanton might start in outfield Saturday for first time since 2023
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NEW YORK -- Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton -- who hasn't played in the outfield since Sept. 14, 2023 -- could start there Saturday against the Astros at Yankee Stadium, manager Aaron Boone said.
Stanton hasn’t started a game since Monday against the Rangers at Globe Life Field because Aaron Judge became the starting designated hitter the next day while still strengthening his right flexor.
When Judge was placed on the IL on July 26, Boone indicated that Stanton would see limited playing time in the outfield. Stanton, who would start Saturday against Astros left-hander Framber Valdez, has been working out in the corner spots over the past week.
Stanton missed most of the first half of the season because of an injury to both elbows. Stanton has had his share of lower-body injuries over the years that have prevented him from playing the outfield.
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Asked how Stanton has looked in the outfield during workouts, Boone said, “Good. More importantly, when I talk to him, [when I ask him] how he thinks it’s going, does he feel he can go out there and be representative and stuff like that. Those are more of my conversations, and G is brutally honest in those situations.
“I think he is feeling good about where he is and the week he has had out there. Talking to [third-base and outfield coach Luis Rojas], he feels like it has gone better each time [for Stanton]. Hopefully, he gets through today and have him play tomorrow.”
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Stanton has been productive in the batter’s box since he returned to action on June 16, with a slash line of .268/.340/.528, 10 homers and 28 RBIs in 37 games. In his past 27 games, Stanton is 11-for-26 (.423) with 17 RBIs with runners in scoring position.