Giancarlo Stanton made his long-awaited return to the New York Yankees lineup Saturday, stepping into the batter’s box for the first time in more than five months. The veteran slugger did not deliver the game-tying hit, but Aaron Boone liked what he saw in Stanton’s first at-bat back.
Stanton pinch-hit for Ryan McMahon to lead off the ninth inning of the Yankees’ 1-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. Facing Rays closer Bryan Baker, Stanton fouled off the first pitch before striking out on a 96 mph fastball.
The 36-year-old had not played since April 24, when he suffered a right calf strain while running the bases against the Houston Astros. He later aggravated that injury before suffering a separate left calf strain during his rehabilitation in August.