The Yankees are running out an identical lineup to Friday’s starters for Saturday’s game, save for the starting pitcher. That means no Gio Urshela or DJ LeMahieu, who Aaron Boone says are both still day-to-day.
“Gio did some more running outside today, was a little bit better today,” Boone said. “Not ready to start yet, just day-to-day.”
Urshela left Thursday’s 14-0 blowout loss to the Rays with a hamstring issue, per Boone, but he did come off the bench on Friday night and delivered a hit in his only at-bat, and Boone said Urshela will be available in that spot again on Saturday.
LeMahieu didn’t start on Friday due to a sore right triceps, which he played through on Thursday and also pinch hit on Friday. Like Urshela, the infielder picked up a hit in his lone plate appearance, but he is not ready to return to the starting lineup.
“DJ is doing a little better today too,” Boone said. “Went out and threw, he’s hitting now. He’s day-to-day as well. He had an MRI today that we’re still waiting on the results from, but he’s feeling a little bit better today.”
Giancarlo Stanton played his first outfield innings since 2019 on Friday with no DH in Miami, and he is back in the outfield on Saturday. Boone will likely give Stanton off on Sunday, but the slugger coming through without issue was an encouraging sign for the Yanks, who could benefit from more versatility out of Stanton, while staying healthy.
“Probably tomorrow, I’ll probably have him down,” Boone said. “He came in feeling good today, I thought he looked really good out there yesterday…hopefully this becomes part of the mix going forward a little bit.”
Andrew Heaney was added just before the trade deadline, and Boone said he could make his Yankee debut on Monday.
“He’s throwing a bullpen today,” Boone said. “If all goes well he could potentially go Monday and we’ll slide Nestor back into that flex role. But we’ll get through today and tomorrow and make that decision.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch