New York Yankees: Giancarlo Stanton makes his return to the lineup

The New York Yankees prepare for the long summer months with the return of powerhouse outfielder Giancarlo Stanton from the injured list.

The New York Yankees have been working their way rather nicely through the season without slugger outfield duo Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge. The team sits atop the American League East division and is a due large part to the emergence of young talent and scrappy players from the Minors.

After the Yankees decided to option Clint Frazier to AAA, it signaled as more than just a reason to make space for the incoming Edwin Encarnacion at Designated Hitter. It was more of a precursor to the eventual return of Stanton from the injured list. Stanton was placed on the injured list on April 1st with a left biceps strain costing him three months of the regular season.

The long wait for Yankees fans is now over as the team looks to present a ferocious lineup that has fans buzzing with excitement. The issue that may face the team will be the allocation of at-bats to players who will lose opportunities with Stanton’s return and the eventual Judge comeback.

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman explained to members of the media in a press conference his stance on having too many bats to fit the now full lineup card possibly.

"“When we acquired G, it wasn’t to be a DH, We feel like we have a very athletic outfielder. Because we’re an American League club, we had a chance to settle him in his first year. He predominantly wound up slotting into that DH spot and then he played the outfield a lot when Judge was down. He’s more than capable."

"“With (Brett Gardner) here and (Aaron) Hicks and Judge when he returns, you’re going to get a chance to see (Boone) continue to do what I think he’s done a masterful job of, mixing and matching and making sure everyone stays fresh,” Cashman continued. “Everyone stays protected, everyone has a chance to recover with a rest day.”"

Stanton provides much-needed protection to anyone he bats behind for his incredible power and streaky hitting. His outfield presence will be supplemented at times by Brett Gardner‘s veteran glove instincts, but it’s a plus to keep his bat in the lineup. Stanton is a career .268 hitter with 305 home runs there will never be a complaint about having him back in the Yankees fold.

The Yankees have some decisions to make with Frazier before the trade deadline that may bring in an extra starting pitcher. The hope is that Domingo German and Luis Severino are prepared for the stretch run so that a deal may not even be necessary.