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.

In response, manager Aaron Boone has made slight changes to the lineup and field for Game 2. For the first time in nearly two years, veteran Giancarlo Stanton is set to start in right field and bat cleanup in the four-hole.

Giancarlo Stanton is nearing a return to the outfield for the first time in nearly two years, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Friday. Stanton has had his playing time limited while the Yankees have used slugger Aaron Judge as the designated hitter while working his way back from a flexor tendon strain in his right elbow.

The Yankees have lost two of three games since Judge returned from missing 10 games with a right elbow flexor strain. His presence has not gotten the Yankee going, as he entered the game with one hit in six at-bats and the team has not scored more than three runs in any of his three games.

The Yankees star leads the AL in average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, runs and walks. Judge told reporters he will be “smart” about his return to right field. But he also suggested he wants to be back in the outfield soon.