The New York Yankees were handed a major boost ahead of their series opener against the Los Angeles Angels. The reigning ALCS MVP, Giancarlo Stanton was making his highly anticipated return to the Yankees lineup after suffering from tennis elbow in both arms.
Pablo Reyes to assignment as Giancarlo Stanton returns to the lineup
The 35-year-old slugger was having issues with his elbow during last season and when he reported for the spring training, he had tennis elbow in both arms which further restricted his swing. Giancarlo Stanton featured in the rehab games last week to prepare for his highly anticipated return to the lineup.
But for him to be in the starting lineup, the New York Yankees had to make changes in their roster. For Stanton to be in the lineup, Yankees made room by designating utility man Pablo Reyes for assignment and further activating Stanton from the injured list.
Pablo Reyes was the star for the New York Yankees in their series finale against Kansas City Royals last week.
According to New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, the decision to designate Pablo Reyes wasn't easy as he is a really good player.
One of those that was difficult, manager Aaron Boone said. One of the things I told him was I think he’s a really good player and one thing he certainly was a pro and a really good teammate. Worked his butt off, ready for anything, probably even deserved more playing time.
It was Pablo Reyes who scored the only run in the series finale against the Kansas City Royals. The New York Yankees comfortably had a clean sweep (3-0) over their AL rivals last week.
Giancarlo Stanton returns for New York Yankees as they lose to Los Angeles Angels
Despite Giancarlo Stanton's return to the starting lineup, the New York Yankees struggled with their offense on Monday against the Los Angeles Angels. The veteran went 2-for-4 on his return as the Yankees failed to score, which left them reeling as they lost the series opener 1-0 against the Angels on Monday.
While Clarke Schmidt pitched 7.2 scoreless innings in his start, he was not getting any support from the Yankees offense. The loss on Monday marks New York Yankees' fourth defeat on the trot following a series sweep against their arch rivals Boston Red Sox over the weekend.