Aaron Boone didn’t have Giancarlo Stanton in the lineup today for the Yankees’ rubber game matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The decision to give Stanton a day off, this early into the season, created a stir within the fan base on social media.
“Just wanted to get a lefty in there,” Boone said. “This is probably the best day to do that. I’m not going to play G probably five days in a row is kind of what I told him. So, I figured this was the best day to do that, nothing more than that.”
After the Yankees finish up today with Toronto, they’ll host the Baltimore Orioles for three games before their first off day, Thursday.
While the cause for concern within the fan base is understandable, this is a very logical approach for the Yankees to take with Stanton.
Let’s remember, for all his talent, this is still a 31-year old veteran who’s struggled to stay in the lineup because of various injuries.
Stanton has not played a full season since 2018. In 2019, injuries limited him to only 18 games. Last season, he missed five weeks due to a strained left hamstring.
Going into 2021 with a plan designed to keep Stanton on the field, and off the injured list, isn’t comical, it’s just good management.
Moreover, it’s still very early in the 2021 campaign, it’s not even a week yet. It’s not like plans can’t change. In a 162-game season, room must be left to adapt.
YES Network Yankees insider Jack Curry tweeted more insight on Boone’s decision.
In the playoffs last year, Stanton became the first player ever to homer in each of his team’s first five games of a postseason. When he’s right and healthy, he’s as dangerous as they come.
If Stanton gets on a roll this season, Boone likely will alter his approach. Meanwhile, this looks like he’s protecting a valuable investment and protecting the player from himself.
Boone’s logic comes across as forward thinking for the marathon that the 162-game regular season is.
We all know what a healthy Stanton means to the Yankees and to Major League Baseball. He’s in year four as a Yankee, it’s imperative to this team’s success to keep him healthy.
Image: AP / Frank Franklin II
