‘Unique’ Giancarlo Stanton fast becoming a showpiece of Yankees’ struggles

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BOSTON —  Since joining the Yankees in 2018, Giancarlo Stanton has only been able to participate in 315 out of the team’s last 618 regular-season games. This season, after his return from an injury, the giant hitter is 5-for-41 and he was struck out 15 strikeouts.

Though Yankees manager Aaron Boone continue to see him as a “unique” and “dangerous” hitter, Giancarlo Stanton exemplifies what ails the Yankees forcing them to struggle. His story represents how injuries sap the vitality of the Yankees offense and they were unable to win despite being the best in the baseball.

Giancarlo Stanton unable to step up

The absence of Aaron Judge has undoubtedly affected the Yankees offense. But it is worth noting that Giancarlo Stanton, a powerful hitter in his own right, has also struggled to find his form since returning from a six-week hamstring injury on June 2.

Though there is widespread expectation for Giancarlo Stanton to take over the Yankees offense in the absence of its most prolific slugger, he has failed so far. In his first 12 games back, his batting average stands at a mere .119 (5-for-42), and Giancarlo Stanton has accumulated 15 strikeouts during this period. The recent doubleheader against the Red Sox at Fenway Park only added to his woes, with seven hitless at-bats, one walk, and five strikeouts. Unfortunately, the Yankees were swept in both games, losing with scores of 6-2 and 4-1.

During the break between games on Sunday, Giancarlo Stanton acknowledged the need to find his rhythm and improve his ability to track the ball earlier. While he recognizes the value of more repetitions, the power hitter also understands the urgency of the situation and the need to make an impact whenever he’s in the lineup.

Giancarlo Stanton is not the only regular player struggling in the Yankees’ lineup since Judge’s toe issue sidelined him two weeks ago. Anthony Rizzo, DJ LeMahieu, and Josh Donaldson have also experienced significant slumps during this period.

Can Giancarlo Stanton bounce back?

Manager Aaron Boone remains confident in the team’s ability to turn things around. He believes they, including Giancarlo Stanton, will find their groove and start performing well again, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hard work during this challenging phase.

“They’re gonna hit. Big G is gonna hit. They’re gonna get it rolling.,” Aaron Boone told. “We just gotta grind our way through it right now while we’re in a little bit of a struggle.”

However, Giancarlo Stanton’s injury history is a concern, as he has spent considerable time on the injured list in each of the past five seasons. After his latest injury, the Yankees took a risk by after just one rehab game. Despite this limited playing time, Boone recognizes his exceptional talent and describes him as a formidable and threatening presence at the plate when he is in his element and finds his rhythm.

Boone had initially planned to have Giancarlo Stanton play in the outfield on Saturday, marking his return to that position after his activation. However, due to the game being canceled due to rain, Big G remained the designated hitter for the Yankees in both Sunday’s games.

Giancarlo Stanton may get outfield assignment

Boone indicated that there is a high possibility of Giancarlo Stanton resuming his outfield duties when the Yankees return home to face the Mariners on Tuesday. The Yankees player himself believes that playing in the field enhances his offensive performance and considers it a move that will contribute to the team’s versatility.

Boone shared his reasoning behind this decision, stating that it benefits both the team and Giancarlo Stanton himself. He believes that playing in the outfield improves the outfielder’s athleticism, overall health, and performance. However, Boone emphasized the importance of Stanton being fully prepared and ready for the role and being integrated into the team’s plans effectively.

Boone stated that there is a perception that when Giancarlo Stanton plays in the outfield, his performance improves significantly. However, he believes that regardless of his position, Big G has the ability to excel once he finds his rhythm. Boone also mentioned that there are certain advantages to having Giancarlo Stanton, who is “such a unique hitter” and “as dangerous as they come,” play in the outfield.

Again, he believes that being in the outfield helps Giancarlo Stanton maintain his physical condition and contributes to his performance. However, Boone emphasized that it is crucial for the Yankee to be fully prepared and ready to assume that role and be part of the team’s plans.

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