Giancarlo Stanton has been playing semi-regularly on the field for nearly four weeks, so it was certainly no surprise to see him win the right field when the Yankees began a series of interludes Monday night in Atlanta. .
Starting for the eleventh time in the Yankees ‘last 23 games on the field, Stanton also continued his offensive wave during this stretch, causing another home run and leading in three runs in the Yankees’ tenth consecutive 5-1 victory over the Braves in Truist Park.
“I think [playing defense] it helped not focus on hitting, “Stanton said after the game.” You always want to be the best in your box and feel like you’re in the best mental state. But that also means turning it off for a second and using it. this focus elsewhere …. So yes, it helps in some way. “
Stanton, 31, did not play on the field last season or in any of his first 100 appearances this year until he started on the left field on July 30 in Miami, where he was four times off the field. first eight major league seasons.
Stanton’s use on the field offside in recent weeks has also largely eliminated Luke Voit’s designated high school position, which has helped ease a logjam at first base and corner positions after. of the end-of-trade acquisitions of camper Joey Gallo and first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
“I think if something, physically, has helped him, moving and keeping the body moving,” Aaron Boone said. “It was a perfect transition right there. He seems to have been playing regularly all year, the last two years.
“As soon as we start doing it, we always know that there will be a conclusion. It’s because he’s off the field, he does it or he doesn’t. Sometimes it’s just baseball and the ebb and flow of the season. … That said, it is very possible that being out there has helped him a little bit. “
Voit was named American League Player of the Week earlier Monday, but was not in training with the DH spot eliminated in National League parks.
Stanton perhaps took a lead in this week’s award with a solo shot against Braves starter Huascar Ynoa, heading into Monday’s second inning, leading a 2-2 run over the wall on the right for his 21st of the season.
Subsequently, Stanton got a 1-1 draw in sixth place, with a two-run double play on the left at 119.2 mph before Boone changed the game to the bottom. During his last 23 games since his initial return to the field, Stanton has batted .316 with five homers, 13 walks and 18 runs.
“He’s a unicorn, he does things every night that are a little different than anyone,” Boone said. “Every time I play one, I think everyone gets a chance to go to the [score] slate [to see] how hard it hits ”.
To that end, Stanton said his teammates used to joke with him “is that all you have?” When Boone’s “unicorn” comment was aired, Stanton added, “It’s pretty cool. He’s seen a lot of baseball, so it’s great if I can do something that the guys there every day years ago see some something new ”.