Yankees Make Unexpected Paul Goldschmidt Decision After Giancarlo Stanton News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New York Yankees are nine games ahead of the Los Angeles Angels in the AL standings, but both teams have played similarly recently. They’re each in three-game losing streaks after getting swept, and they’re 5-5 over their last 10 games.
A key difference for the Yankees in their Monday matchup with the Angels is star slugger Giancarlo Stanton’s arrival. The five-time All-Star will make his first appearance of the season after rehabbing elbow injuries.
Stanton will bat fifth as the designated hitter behind left fielder Cody Bellinger and in front of third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr.. However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone is sitting first baseman Paul Goldschmidt for the first time this season.
Boone explained his decision before the game on Monday, via The New York Daily News’ Gary Phillips.
“We’ll have to work a little bit of a rotation there. G will be part of that,” he said. “So I expect him to play regularly, but he’ll have his days too, and we’ll just kind of let this thing shake out. “
“I’ve talked to the guys about it,” he continued. “We’re gonna have a couple good players sitting over there every single day that you can make the case should be in the lineup. We’re all on the same page with it and ready to roll.”
With Giancarlo Stanton back, the #Yankees are going to have a bit of a rotation in their lineup, Aaron Boone said. Hence Paul Goldschmidt not playing today for matchup reasons.
Stanton will be part of that rotation. Here’s more on it from Boone:
“We’ll have to work a little bit…
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) June 16, 2025
Goldschmidt is slashing .311/.371/.455 with seven homers and 31 RBI over 70 games. The 37-year-old’s batting average ranks 11th in baseball.
Right-hander Clarke Schmidt (3-3, 3.60 ERA) will start on the mound for New York against Los Angeles right-hander Jose Soriano (4-5, 3.86 ERA).
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.