Giancarlo Stanton Returns to the Outfield on Old-Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium

This Saturday, Yankee Stadium will celebrate Old-Timers’ Day as Giancarlo Stanton makes a noteworthy return to the outfield, a position he hasn’t played in nearly two years.

Stanton’s Outfield Comeback

Giancarlo Stanton, the powerhouse slugger, is set to play in right field and bat fourth during the afternoon matchup against the Houston Astros. This marks his first time back on the field since September 14, 2023, when he last started in left field. Notably, this is a significant moment as Stanton has not appeared in right field since September 9, 2023.

• Date: October 14, 2023
• Opponent: Houston Astros
• Position: Right Field
• Last Played in Outfield: September 2023

Importance of His Return

The Yankees are leveraging Stanton’s return to the outfield to accommodate both him and Aaron Judge in the lineup. As Judge continues his recovery from a flexor strain, he will serve as designated hitter, allowing the Yankees to maximize their batting strength during critical games. This adjustment comes at a crucial time, as the Yankees aim to maintain their position in the playoff race.

Manager’s Insights

Manager Aaron Boone indicated a high likelihood of Stanton playing defensively on Saturday, especially since the Astros are starting left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez—a matchup that favors Stanton.

• Stanton’s Performance Against Valdez:
  • Career Stats: 5 hits in 11 at-bats
  • Home Runs: 1
  • RBIs: 3

Boone emphasized the careful approach to Stanton’s return, stating, "There’s always risk when you go play the game. We wouldn’t put him in a situation where we feel like there was big-time risk. That said, the game and all that, anything’s possible. I do feel like, physically, he’s in a good place to go out and do it on a limited basis."

Recent Performance Challenges for the Yankees

Despite the excitement surrounding Stanton’s return, the Yankees have encountered several challenges recently. They’ve struggled offensively, scoring just 14 runs in their last six games and finding it difficult to exceed three runs in any game besides one, facing two shutouts in that span.

Current Standings

As of Saturday, the Yankees are holding onto a tenuous half-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians for the final American League playoff spot.

• Yankees Record: Current Record
• Next Opponent: Houston Astros Upcoming Matchup

Conclusion

Giancarlo Stanton’s return to the outfield not only brings excitement for fans but also provides the Yankees with a strategic advantage as they fight for playoff contention. With Old-Timers’ Day adding a nostalgic touch, Saturday’s game is one for the books. Keep an eye on the lineup as both players work to bring the Yankees back to winning ways during this critical moment of the season.

For more game details and updates, check out the Yankees’ official website.