The Yankees pulled off a thrilling comeback on Thursday, and it might have unveiled a new way to weaponize Giancarlo Stanton.
After watching his team get no-hit through seven painful innings, Stanton started the game on the bench against Seattle’s right-hander Bryan Woo.
Instead, Ben Rice handled first base duties while Aaron Judge slid into the designated hitter spot, leaving fans to wonder when Stanton might appear.
Little did they know he’d become the secret key in the eighth inning, helping swing the entire momentum.
A critical pinch-hit that sparked hope
When the Yankees finally showed signs of life, they loaded up for a chance to claw back into the game.
Manager Aaron Boone didn’t hesitate — he called on Stanton to pinch-hit for Jorbit Vivas with a runner in scoring position.
Seattle reliever Matt Brash made the fatal mistake of leaving a fastball up, and Stanton crushed it 415 feet to straightaway center.
That two-run shot brought the Yankees within two runs and sent the Bronx into a frenzy, flipping a lifeless night on its head.
Stanton admits pinch-hitting never suited him
It was more than just a big swing; it was a rare scenario for Stanton, who openly admitted postgame that pinch-hitting hasn’t been his strength.
“I haven’t pinch-hit too much and I haven’t been the greatest at it either, so it was good,” Stanton said with a grin.
There’s something almost poetic in seeing one of the league’s premier power hitters take on a role usually reserved for bench bats and deliver.
Like a classic sports car finally roaring to life after sitting idle, Stanton showed he can still produce elite power in unconventional spots.
New opportunities for Aaron Boone to get creative
This moment might’ve opened manager Aaron Boone’s eyes to an entirely new way to use Stanton strategically moving forward.
Rather than penciling him into the DH slot every day, Boone could preserve Stanton’s health for later-game heroics.
If managed carefully, keeping Stanton fresh for late leverage moments could pay massive dividends, especially in October when every at-bat is magnified.
Given his history of injuries, leveraging his bat in big pinch-hit opportunities could be the ultimate way to maximize value.
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The Yankees know that Stanton is limited defensively, basically locked into the designated hitter role when he plays.
But Thursday’s game showed they might be able to turn that limitation into an advantage if they plan his usage wisely.
If it keeps him off his feet, saves his legs, and still lets him change games with one swing, it’s a trade-off worth making.
The idea of holding Stanton back like a coiled spring, ready to unleash late in games, might be exactly what the Yankees need.
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