At the beginning of July, the New York Yankees looked like the clear favorite to win the AL East. Fast forward to Aug. 9, and they now trail the Toronto Blue Jays by 6 ½ games for first place and the Boston Red Sox by 3 ½ games for second.

Giancarlo Stanton’s return to the outfield was cautious, planned and brief. At least for now.One day after starting in right field for the first time since September 2023, Stanton was out of the Yankees’ lineup Sunday against the Astros.

NEW YORK — With the way Giancarlo Stanton has been swinging the bat of late — and Aaron Judge relegated to a DH-only role as he recovers from his right flexor strain — the Yankees need to do everything they can to keep the slugger in the starting lineup.