NEW YORK — With the way Giancarlo Stanton has been swinging the bat of late — and Aaron Judge relegated to a DH-only role as he recovers from his right flexor strain — the Yankees need to do everything they can to keep the slugger in the starting lineup.

Playing the field so Aaron Judge could serve as designated hitter while he rehabs his flexor strain in his elbow, Stanton held his own.

Giancarlo Stanton returns to the lineup, starting as an outfielder for the first time since 2023, as the Yankees host the Astros in the second game of their three-game set.