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.

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.

Aaron Judge is limited to being the Yankees’ designated hitter right now, as he works his way back from a right flexor tendon strain. The only way to get Stanton’s bat in the lineup is for him to play the outfield,