NEW YORK -- There’s an imposing figure waiting in the Yankees' dugout for a big moment against the Red Sox, and it’s not Aaron Judge.
Giancarlo Stanton is active as a pinch-hitting option, included on the 26-man squad announced by the Yankees on Tuesday morning. Stanton has not played in a Major League game since late April due to calf injuries.
“This has obviously been a trying year for him on the injury front, having a couple of setbacks along the way,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s never stopped going and stopped grinding, even through some tough moments.
“This is a unique series in that we feel like we’re able to go heavy on the position player front. There’s an avenue for him for an at-bat, some interchangeable parts there. So credit to him for putting himself in position to be an option.”
Stanton participated in live batting practice on Monday at Yankee Stadium, taking at-bats against Elmer Rodriguez and Ryan Weathers. He also spent time on the bases and ran in the outfield.
Especially against the lefty-heavy Red Sox, Stanton’s presence could prove valuable. Boone reiterated on Tuesday that he does not envision Stanton as a designated hitter, given his long layoff.
Instead, they’ll look for him to get ready for one at-bat a night, hoping the proven postseason performer can make an impact.
“It's Giancarlo Stanton. He can hit a ball 120 miles an hour and he can change a game really quick,” said left-hander Max Fried. “I've seen him a lot; he's been working really hard to get back. I couldn't be happier for him.”
Trent Grisham is also active, though he hasn’t played since Sept. 4 because of a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Grisham is considered an option in center field, though he wasn’t in the Game 1 lineup.
Boone said he wasn’t sure if Grisham would start in Game 2 against right-hander Sonny Gray.
The Yankees opted to carry 10 pitchers, providing more flexibility to mix and match off the bench in hopes of countering Boston’s lefty-heavy staff.
The toughest call, Boone said, was the debate between Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough. Hill has made 67 appearances, second-most on the staff, but he’s also surrendered a career-high 12 homers across 58 2/3 innings.
“That was the one we deliberated on,” Boone said. “Going with 10 pitchers, Yarbs gives us a little more versatility and some length coverage. How their lineup sets up, there are some better runs for Yarbs in this series. I expect Tim to play a big role if we’re able to move forward.”
Additionally, rehabbing left-hander Ryan Weathers was left off after throwing in live BP on Monday. Boone said he believes Weathers “could be a difference-maker,” but they view him more as an option for the next round.
Here is a breakdown of the Yankees' roster:
Pitchers (10): David Bednar Paul Blackburn, Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Brent Headrick, Carlos Rodón, Cam Schlittler, John Schreiber, Will Warren, Ryan Yarbrough
Catchers (2): Austin Wells, Ali Sánchez
Infielders (8): José Caballero, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Luis García Jr., Paul Goldschmidt, George Lombard Jr., Ryan McMahon, Amed Rosario, Anthony Volpe
Outfielders (4): Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Spencer Jones, Heliot Ramos
Designated hitter (2): Ben Rice, Giancarlo Stanton