The New York Yankees are scheduled to take on the Boston Red Sox in a Wild Card matchup on Tuesday. With the game set to begin at 8 p.m. EST, manager Aaron Boone announced the lineup for Game 1 of the series and made his final decision clear on Giancarlo Stanton.
New York will begin this contest with the 36-year-old slugger on the bench. A reason was not provided, as the Yankees simply shared the batting order on X. Stanton may have a chance to play as a pinch hitter.
Article Continues BelowTonight in the Bronx. #RepBX | #Postseason pic.twitter.com/35mK7xMqA8
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 29, 2026
Although the Yankees placed Giancarlo Stanton on the Wild Card roster, it seems the club isn't ready to name him a starter just yet. The 17-year veteran has missed a majority of the 2026 campaign due to strained calf muscles in both of his legs that lingered all summer. Boone appears to want to start the players who have been with the team throughout this season.
Stanton did not have the typical ramp-up sessions one would have during the regular season. Usually, players will participate in a minor league rehab assignment. However, with minor league (Double-A and Triple-A) seasons both over, the Yankees star was forced to participate in simulated work and private sessions.
The five-time All-Star played just 24 games before being placed on the IL. Through 90 at-bats this season, Stanton recorded 23 hits, three home runs, and 14 RBIs, giving him a .256 batting average and .302 OBP.
So, while the former second-round pick will ride the pine to begin Tuesday's matchup, the Yankees will focus on gaining a 1-0 lead over the Red Sox in this Wild Card series. New York will hope for a repeat of the 2025 playoffs in this one after beating Boston in three games last year.