On Wednesday night, Giancarlo Stanton was the Yankees’ starting right fielder for the third consecutive game.
Additionally, Jasson Dom nguez was not in the starting lineup for the third consecutive game.
In the Yankees’ crowded outfield, Dominguez has been getting less playing time lately, despite Aaron Judge being limited to DH duty while he heals from a flexor strain in his right elbow.
Before Wednesday’s series finale against the Minnesota Twins in the Bronx, manager Aaron Boone stated, “I’m just trying to match it up as best we can and, obviously, trying to do all we can to win every game.”
J.D. plays a significant role. I am aware that he hasn’t performed in a few days. It’s a brief moment in a lengthy season. He might play a major role in the upcoming game.
With Judge, Dominguez, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham all starting at least 80 games in the outfield this season, the Yankees have had an abundance of outfielders.
Judge returned from the disabled list on August 5 and has been the Yankees’ designated hitter ever since. He hasn’t played in the field since July 25.
However, the 35-year-old recently made his first appearance back in right field since September 2023 because the Yankees want to keep their main DH, the fiery Stanton, in the lineup.
Stanton got the start right Wednesday for the fourth time in five games. In the Yankees’ outfield, 22-year-old rookie Dom Nguez was always the odd man out.
Regarding Dom Nguez, Boone stated, “I think he’s had a really solid year and continued to develop.”
He will play a significant role in this going future. You never know what will happen on a daily basis when we’re on the stretch drive here, but everyone is on board.
Dominguez, a highly regarded prospect known as “The Martian” due to his extraordinary skill set, started Wednesday with a.253 average, nine home runs, and a.718 OPS.
However, both Grisham and Bellinger, who each had 21 home runs and an OPS above.800 going into Wednesday, are excellent defensive players.
It was the third consecutive game that Dom nguez faced a right-handed pitcher, despite the fact that he is a superior left-handed hitter (.778 OPS) than a right-handed one (.560).
Minnesota started with Twins ace Joe Ryan (11-5, 2.79 ERA).
Stanton bats right-handed, but he came into Wednesday with a.986 OPS and 11 home runs versus righty pitchers, while Bellinger and Grisham both bat left.
Stanton, who started play Wednesday with a.414 average, four home runs, and an OPS of 1.362 in 29 at-bats, has been the Yankees’ best hitter in July regardless of the opponent. He hit a home run and went 4-for-5 in Tuesday night’s 9-1 victory over the Twins.
Right now, I’m just going about my daily business and listening to Giancarlo’s reactions, as well as Belli and Grish’s,” Boone added. I don’t always plan things out a few days in advance, which is why I haven’t had that chat with Dom Nguez regarding playing time.
Judge, meanwhile, keeps trying to get back into the outfield. Judge reported on Tuesday that he was doing well and making progress according to the trainers’ plan.
Boone noted on Wednesday that he is anticipated to throw once more today. [We will] keep stretching him. He’s probably been up to 120 feet. We hope to get him throwing to bases and other things at some point. Although there is no timeframe or goal date, everything appears to be proceeding smoothly.
However, Austin Wells made a comeback to the starting lineup on Wednesday.
Ben Rice gets more time behind the plate, and the 26-year-old catcher missed three of the last four games, including the last two.
Wells had a.267 on-base percentage and a.208 average going into Wednesday. In July, he was only 3-for-20 (.150).
Stanton now equals or surpasses another well-known slugger on the all-time home run list with almost every homer.
Stanton’s home run on Tuesday was his 441st in his career, surpassing Jason Giambi’s record of 44th in MLB history. He was one home run behind Dave Kingman going into Wednesday.
This year, Stanton has also surpassed Paul Konerko, Juan Gonzalez, Carlos Beltran, Andre Dawson, Juan Ripken Jr., and Andruw Jones. Stanton is currently leading MLB in home runs in his 16th season.
A few days ago, I attempted to remind him, “Oh, Kingman is coming.” Jason is yours. Boone stated that they are all now very large. I like it. I think it’s quite awesome, and I believe he kind of likes it too.
