ALCS: Will Giancarlo Stanton Be Ready For Game 3?

Yankee fans know the feeling all too well. In the short time Giancarlo Stanton has been with New York, he can’t seem to escape the injury woes that have plagued him his entire career. Now, Stanton finds himself at a crossroads in what is the most important week in Yankees history.

Up 1-0 in the American League Championship Series prior to last night, manager Aaron Boone did not have Stanton in the lineup for game two. His answer when questioned why? A right quad strain he suffered in the second inning of game one following an infield hit. Instead of being taken out, Stanton remained in the game and eventually hit a home run.

The Yankees ended up losing game two thanks to a Carlos Correa walk-off home run.

With a day off today and game three Tuesday afternoon in the Bronx, can we expect to see Stanton in the lineup? According to Boone, anything is possible.

“So, hoping that it’s something that with today and the off day, that he would be back in play for Game 3,” Boone stated to the media before the game on Sunday. “We’ll just kind of see how these next 48 hours unfold.”

Stanton only played in 18 major league games in 2019 due to injuries to his biceps, shoulder, calf and knee. He ended up coming back on September 18, which could seem like he was rushed to come back. The same quad he injured was the one he strained in game one.

So, did he come back too soon? Was the injury a result of that? There are more questions than answers when it comes to the prized outfielder/DH.

“I’m not saying it is or isn’t,” Yankees GM Brian Cashman stated when asked if the short rehab was an issue. “I do know that was something that we discussed. You saw how he was used in Texas, during that series, and, you know, we’re trying to, obviously, walk through it.”

As far as game three is concerned, the status of the $325 million man is unknown. Cashman doesn’t see it as a long-term concern. With the Yankees facing Gerrit Cole and the backend of the Astros’ rotation inside Yankee Stadium, however, Stanton’s bat is certainly needed. The hope is that there is more news coming within the next few hours.

The Yankees have managed to survive a multitude of injuries this season. A healthy roster in the postseason was the ultimate goal. One small miscalculation may have cost the Yankees a viable bat in Stanton. The clock is ticking, will there be good or bad news when it hits midnight?