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SEATTLE – A blazing performance from a key Yankees slugger posed a challenge to the team’s planned strategy just six games into the season.
Nonetheless, Aaron Boone remained committed to a long-term perspective, which is why Giancarlo Stanton began Wednesday’s series finale against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park seated on the bench.
The Yankees had emphasized throughout spring training that they intended to give Stanton regular rest days to ensure his health for the entire season. This strategy proved effective last year when the 36-year-old designated hitter started his season in June after recovering from tennis elbow in both arms.
Despite Stanton’s impressive start this season—going 10-for-20 over five games with consistent 2-for-4 performances—he was not in the lineup on Wednesday against Mariners pitcher George Kirby.
“This was a day we had planned for him,” Boone explained prior to the game. “We discussed it a few days ago and wanted to maintain our discipline and be smart about it. He’s obviously off to a remarkable start. I hate having him out of the lineup, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have the most critical at-bat today. He’ll be ready off the bench if needed in a crucial situation. But we wanted to stick to our plan for this day.”
Boone acknowledged that Stanton’s monster start to the season made it a little harder to not write his name into the lineup, but he also knows the value of getting him an off day into a team day off – something the Yankees did often with the veteran last season.
“I think the way we had those days in there kept him available regularly,” Boone said. “Also last year, more than ever before too, he was a little bit of a factor off the bench for us too. Just because he’s not starting doesn’t mean he’s not that presence or factor at some point in the game. But I do think hopefully, this is something that over the long haul will keep him available pretty much all the time. Hopefully it’s something that serves him and us well.”
Ben Rice moved to DH on Wednesday while Paul Goldschmidt got the start at first base. Amed Rosario also started at third base for Ryan McMahon, who was off to a slow start (1-for-14, seven strikeouts).