Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton may return to defensive duties on Saturday for the first time since September 2023, according to manager Aaron Boone. The team is considering starting Stanton in the outfield against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium.
Stanton has not played defensively since September 14, 2023. His recent absence from the lineup began after Monday’s game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, as Aaron Judge was used as designated hitter while he continues to recover from a right flexor issue.
When Judge was placed on the injured list on July 26, Boone had noted that Stanton would have limited appearances in the outfield. Over the past week, Stanton has been training in corner outfield positions and could be in line to start Saturday against Astros left-hander Framber Valdez.
Stanton missed much of the season’s first half due to injuries affecting both elbows. He has also dealt with lower-body injuries over his career that have restricted his ability to play defense.
Boone commented on Stanton’s preparation: “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.”
Since returning on June 16, Stanton has produced a .268 batting average with a .340 on-base percentage and a .528 slugging percentage across 37 games. He has hit 10 home runs and driven in 28 runs during this period. In his last 27 games with runners in scoring position, Stanton is hitting .423 with 17 RBIs.
