Stanton Remains on Bench During Wild-Card Sweep
Giancarlo Stanton did not play in the New York Yankees' American League wild-card series sweep over the Boston Red Sox, despite being carried on the roster specifically to combat left-handed pitchers. The decision to exclude him from the lineup has drawn scrutiny, particularly given his designated role within the team's strategy for this stage of the playoffs.
At various points during Tuesday and Wednesday night, Stanton stood in the Yankees dugout with a bat in hand, prepared for an opportunity that never materialized. The Yankees completed the sweep on Wednesday without utilizing him, finishing the series victory while he remained inactive. His absence was notable given the specific matchup challenges the team faced against Boston's pitching staff.
The decision to exclude Stanton came despite his presence being justified by the need to address Boston's pitching staff. However, manager Aaron Boone stuck with other left-handed hitters, including Spencer Jones, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Trent Grisham, throughout the series. This choice was highlighted during key moments in the series, particularly when facing left-handed arms.
Pinch-Hitting Opportunities Passed
The potential for Stanton to enter a game appeared most likely during Wednesday's contest. In the sixth inning, the Red Sox brought in left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet. The Yankees scored six runs in that frame, but Boone did not insert Stanton into the lineup. Instead, the manager relied on the previously mentioned left-handed options to drive offense against Crochet.
Earlier in the series, during Game 1, there was another moment where Stanton might have been utilized. Boone nearly used him to pinch-hit for Jones against reliever Alec Gamboa but ultimately decided to stay put with the existing lineup configuration. This near-miss underscored the manager's hesitation to activate Stanton despite the lefty-versus-lefty matchup.
Roster Implications for ALDS
It remains doubtful whether the Yankees will keep Stanton on the roster for the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Tampa Bay Rays. The uncertainty stems from both his physical condition and roster construction needs, as reported by the New York Post.
Stanton has been dealing with a calf strain, which may limit his availability or effectiveness in subsequent rounds. Additionally, the Yankees carried 16 position players and 10 pitchers for the wild-card round. To balance the roster for the next stage of the playoffs, the team may need to make adjustments that exclude Stanton. The combination of his injury status and the logistical challenge of trimming the roster creates significant doubt regarding his participation in the division series.
Pitching Updates Ahead of Division Series
Beyond the position player decisions, Boone provided updates on the Yankees' pitching staff as they prepare for the ALDS. Clarke Schmidt has been shut down for the remainder of the postseason due to right biceps neuritis. This loss removes a potential starter from the available pool for the upcoming series.
In contrast, Ryan Weathers threw a bullpen session and remains in play for consideration in the ALDS. His availability provides some flexibility for Boone as he constructs his pitching staff for the next round. Regarding the starting rotation for Game 1 of the division series on Saturday, Boone stated that both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón are in contention to take the mound. The manager's comments suggest a tight competition between the two veterans to open the ALDS.