Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed the baserunning incident involving slugger Giancarlo Stanton during New York’s win over the Astros on Saturday.
During the bottom of the third inning, Stanton had the chance to score from second base on a single from DJ LeMahieu. While 99% of MLB players would have been able to reach home plate without a hitch, Stanton was thrown out after showcasing a complete lack of speed on the base paths.
After the game, Boone was asked about the decision to send Stanton home on the play and whether or not the outfielder was fully healthy.
“G is good, I just didn’t think he got a great round on third and got a little careful over there,” Boone said of Stanton.
Aaron Boone says that Giancarlo Stanton is healthy: pic.twitter.com/u218w9joyQ
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“I’d have to look at it. Sometimes, if he gets going in the right direction, he’s got more than that. Sometimes if it’s not an efficient route, he’s going to protect a bit more. But yeah, he’s good, he’s healthy,” said Boone when asked if that display was Stanton’s top speed at this point in his career.
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Keeping Stanton healthy has been an issue for the Yankees throughout his tenure with the team. Since acquiring him from the Marlins in 2018, Stanton has missed a total of 464 games out of a possible 972. This season, he’s featured in 60 of New York’s 111 games.
With the 33-year-old’s speed on the decline, Stanton has been utilized as the Yankees DH 36 times this season, no longer considered an everyday outfielder.
While Boone insists the veteran slugger is healthy, his sluggish baserunning display on Saturday was far from convincing.
