SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS WITH STANTON

If there is one thing that I WILL NOT miss from this season it is all of the injuries. It's amazing that despite all of the injuries we still won 103 games this season and here we are in the ALCS and on the chase for our 28th championship. It hasn't been easier....and Sunday reminded us that it isn't getting easier.

We are all hoping for good news with Giancarlo Stanton. It's hard to watch him go 2-for-4 with a solo home run on Saturday and then out of the lineup yesterday due to a quad strain. We only saw Stanton in 18 regular season games this season, so depending on him during the postseason may seem crazy but, there's no doubt that the lineup is deeper with him in it. Let's just hope this quad strain isn't a long-term concern like Brian Cashman said.

The Yankees accomplished a lot this season without Stanton, so while the Yankees may not NEED him in the lineup they certainly want him in there. Even with a lot of missed time Stanton showed us how productive he can be when he’s even close to healthy. He hit an impressive .300 BA in 15 plate appearances, drawing four walks against the Twins in the ALDS. This weekend's home run reminded us of his power. If the Yankees could get that back for the remainder of the postseason, the lineup would be even more dangerous.

For the meantime we will be seeing more of Cameron Maybin and Aaron Hicks, who has his own injury concerns. Hicks hasn't played since August 3rd, so he is just as rusty. The Yankees are hoping that the off day tomorrow and the extra rest will give Stanton the rest he needs and he will be able to return to the lineup. If Stanton doesn’t respond to treatment and rest, there is a possibility he could be dropped from the ALCS roster and be replaced but if that does happen Stanton wouldn’t be eligible to play in the World Series if the Yankees get there.

After watching the Yankees put 30 players on the injured list during the regular season it is no surprise that complications from injuries continue in the postseason. We've found a way to win despite them all season, and we can continue to do it again. It's what the BEST of good teams do.

For now, let's just hope Stanton comes back and is able to play....and the Yankees will be ready to win at home on Tuesday. Fingers crossed.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj