Yankees Bench Stanton for Mariners Matchup

Boone's decision to rest slugger Giancarlo Stanton highlights Yankees' cautious approach to managing star's injury history.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:48pm

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New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has decided to give star designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton a day off for the team's Wednesday afternoon game against the Seattle Mariners, despite Stanton's hot start to the season with five consecutive multi-hit games. The Yankees are taking a cautious approach to managing Stanton's playing time due to his extensive injury history, even though the team has a travel day on Thursday before their home opener on Friday.

Why it matters

Stanton is a key offensive contributor for the Yankees, but the team is prioritizing keeping him healthy for the long haul of the season over playing him in every game early on. This decision highlights the Yankees' careful management of their star players' workloads, which is crucial for a team with championship aspirations.

The details

Stanton, 36, will be replaced at designated hitter by Ben Rice, while first baseman Paul Goldschmidt will make his first start of the year against Mariners pitcher George Kirby. Boone and the Yankees' coaching staff are known for their detailed approach to lineup construction, with general manager Brian Cashman stating he does not make those decisions.

  • Stanton has started the season with five consecutive multi-hit games.
  • The Yankees have a travel day on Thursday before their home opener on Friday.

The players

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, known for his detailed approach to lineup decisions.

Giancarlo Stanton

The Yankees' star designated hitter, who has a history of injury issues and is off to a hot start this season.

Brian Cashman

The general manager of the New York Yankees, who has stated he does not make lineup decisions.

Ben Rice

A Yankees player who will replace Stanton as the designated hitter for Wednesday's game.

Paul Goldschmidt

A Yankees player who will make his first start of the season at first base against the Mariners.

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What they’re saying

“We must manage Giancarlo's workload carefully to keep him healthy for the long haul. Even the hottest players need occasional rest.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager

What’s next

The Yankees will have a travel day on Thursday before their home opener on Friday, giving Stanton an additional day of rest.

The takeaway

The Yankees' decision to rest Stanton for Wednesday's game against the Mariners, despite his hot start, underscores the team's commitment to managing the workload of their star players in order to keep them healthy and productive throughout the long MLB season.