Giancarlo Stanton remained on the New York Yankees’ roster during their American League wild-card series against the Boston Red Sox but did not see any game action, despite being available as a potential left-handed pinch hitter following a lengthy absence due to calf injuries. Stanton missed more than five months of the regular season after suffering three separate strains and was included on the postseason roster partly as a strategic option against Boston’s left-handed pitchers.

The Yankees completed a two-game sweep of the Red Sox on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium with a 9-2 victory, eliminating the need to deploy Stanton in the series. Manager Aaron Boone opted to stick with left-handed hitters such as Spencer Jones, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Trent Grisham during critical moments, particularly in a six-run sixth inning off Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet, who had also been sidelined since late April.

In the opening game, Boone nearly sent Stanton to pinch hit late in the seventh inning against another left-hander, Alec Gamboa, but ultimately chose to stay with Jones, who initiated a rally. Boone acknowledged before the series that Stanton’s presence could serve as a deterrent even if he did not bat, stating, “Hopefully the threat that he is can play a factor for us in this series.”

Looking ahead to the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, it remains uncertain whether Stanton will remain on the roster. Boone indicated that the team may need to adjust the roster balance given it currently includes 16 position players and 10 pitchers. The potential return of Aaron Judge, who has been sidelined with his own calf strain, could also influence roster decisions.

With the wild-card series concluded, the Yankees are preparing to start Gerrit Cole or Carlos Rodón in Game 1 of the ALDS, scheduled for Saturday, followed by Cam Schlittler expected to start Game 2. Boone expressed confidence in both starters and said the team would make a final decision in the coming days. “Gerrit’s lined up for that. Carlos is very much in play for that. We have a ton of confidence in both guys. I think they’re both throwing the ball really well,” Boone said.