SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) – Giancarlo Stanton’s intimidating presence was missing from the middle of the Yankees’ lineup for a big chunk of 2019 because of an injury-filled season.
As he tries to bounce back, the New York slugger will have his spring at-bats analyzed more than most.
Spring training game action begins in Arizona on Friday with a meeting between the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals while the other 28 teams play their first exhibition games in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues on Saturday.
The games – especially early in the spring – are often filled with young prospects and others who are longshots to make opening day rosters. Most veterans will be eased into games and their stats won’t be particularly important as they tinker with batting stances, pitch repertoires and gradually build toward the first regular-season games on March 26.
For others, the exhibition games are a little more important. Stanton is one of those exceptions.