The New York Yankees have the second-best record in the American League. Under their captain, MLBbro Aaron Judge, who is having another MVP-caliber season, they are once again set to make a deep playoff run. The Yankees offense has been on fire, leading all of baseball in home runs, walks, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. The most interesting thing is they have done this without one of the most feared power hitters in all of baseball, MLBbro Giancarlo Stanton.
Ben Rice emerging as Legitimate DH Threat In Stanton’s Absence
The Yankees have been hitting for great power this season, thanks to the emergence of Ben Rice. Although Rice has played primarily at DH this year, with Stanton’s return possibly as soon as this weekend, Rice may begin to play more catcher to allow Stanton more plate appearances.
Stanton is too experienced and too much of a threat not to force his way back into the lineup. The quicker he can get back to his normal hitting prowess, the faster the Bronx Bombers can become even more formidable.
The main goal is to have their MLBbro slugger on a roll heading into the postseason. This paid dividends last year, as evidenced by Stanton’s seven home runs en route to an American League Pennant. And with their other MLBbro, Jazz Chisholm Jr., catching fire recently, the team could be set to go on a major run this summer.
Stanton has 14 years of experience under his belt to help him come along quickly and contribute, while also helping maintain the team’s overall success. The team is aware of the challenges that his return may bring, particularly regarding playing time and lineup construction.
How Will Aaron Boone Juggle Lineup When Giancarlo Stanton Returns?
Yankees manager Aaron Boone understands he will have a logjam when his MLBbro slugger returns. He knows that he has some quality players but understands the importance of what a dominant and potential Hall of Fame slugger can add to a lineup. Stanton’s ability to change the game with one swing makes him invaluable down the stretch.
Boone and the Yankees will have to make strategic decisions to maximize production without disrupting the current chemistry. The lineup will need to remain flexible, and egos must be managed, but those are good problems to have when you’re chasing a championship. With the MLBbro Judge anchoring the middle of the order and fellow MLBbro Stanton looking to rejoin him in full force, the Yankees’ offense may soon reach a level that few teams in baseball can match.
In the grand scheme, the Yankees’ success this season may hinge on how well their veteran stars blend with their emerging young talent. If Stanton can find his rhythm and stay healthy, he could be the final piece to a World Series puzzle the Yankees have been trying to complete for more than 15 years. As October nears, all eyes will be on the Bronx, where the Yankees and their MLBbro stars are preparing to make their loudest statement yet.
The Yankees Are Rolling With Giancarlo Stanton Set To Return In June
