Yankees Balancing Giancarlo Stanton’s Injuries Against Postseason Success

The New York Yankees and their manager Aaron Boone have made the strategic decision to limit Giancarlo Stanton‘s speed on the field as a preemptive measure against potential injuries. This cautious approach, which was consistent throughout the regular season, is being maintained in the postseason despite the heightened stakes.

Stanton, known for his struggles with calf, hamstring, and quad injuries over the past five seasons, demonstrated the impact of this strategy during Sunday’s victory over the Kansas City Royals. The 34-year-old was unable to score from first base on an Oswaldo Cabrera double and later could not beat out an infield single, potentially costing the Yankees valuable runs.

“It is something we’ve kind of got to live with,’’ Boone stated during a press conference via Zoom from Yankee Stadium. “Whether you’ve seen it over the years with a particular player that is incredibly slow that’s an impactful player, it’s something we’ve got to live with.”

This approach dates back to 2019 when Stanton suffered a quad injury, causing him to miss crucial games in the ALCS against the Houston Astros. Boone emphasized that the key for Stanton is to reach his top speed gradually to avoid further injuries. “He’s got to do what he’s got to do,’’ Boone said. “He’s trying to get to what is his top speed in a fluid way, as best he can.”

Statistical analysis suggests Stanton’s sprinting limitations. According to Statcast, his sprint speed ranks among the lowest in Major League Baseball, noted at just 24.5 feet per second. However, the Yankees value his contributions at the plate too highly to remove him from the lineup.

Despite the careful handling and a focus on reducing injury risk, Stanton missed over a month during the season due to a strained hamstring. Nonetheless, the Yankees anticipate his offensive value, highlighted by a postseason OPS of .932, will outweigh these deficits.

In other team news, Aaron Boone reported progress regarding injured starter Nestor Cortes, who’s recovering from a flexor strain. Cortes managed a successful recovery session and may contribute later in the postseason, though his return remains uncertain.

Additionally, Boone confirmed that Alex Verdugo would feature again in the lineup for the following game against Royals pitcher Cole Ragans, based on his previous game performance. This decision comes despite Ragans being a left-handed pitcher and Verdugo not being a typical choice in such matchups.

These strategic decisions reflect the Yankees’ broader approach to balancing player health with postseason ambitions, as they navigate the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge in October.