The New York Yankees will reportedly have Giancarlo Stanton back for the Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox.
According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, Stanton is on the Yankees' Wild Card roster after weeks of speculation. Stanton has not played since April 24. Stanton suffered a calf strain in April, and then injured his other calf while attempting to return.
Many fans thought his season was over, but he started making progress and put himself in the conversation to make a return in the postseason. While Aaron Judge is not quite ready, it seems like Stanton did enough to earn a spot on the roster. However, fans should not expect him to be starting at designated hitter.
Manager Aaron Boone recently noted that if Stanton is active, it would most likely be in a bench role. He would be used as a pinch hitter, and in reality, he's a great bat to deploy in a big spot. Home runs matter more in October, and the Yankees suddenly have one of the best home run hitters ever available off the bench.
Stanton does not prefer to go on rehab assignments after injuries usually, and prefers to find his timing in the cage. That could play to the Yankees' benefit here, as he might be ready out the gate to contribute, and they may not have to worry about whether his bat is ready after a long layoff.
