The New York Yankees needed someone to step up as Aaron Judge continued to struggle in the postseason. Support came from a pair of unlikely sources.
Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton has struggled to stay healthy during his Yankees tenure. Although he remains a consistent power threat, his litany of leg injuries has limited his ability to make an impact. He turned back the clock in the ALDS, recording six hits, including a pair of doubles and a home run, in his 18 plate appearances. His homer was the difference in Game 3. Stanton even stole a base — his first steal, and attempt, since 2020.
Giancarlo Stanton steals his first base since 2020!
🎥 @MLB pic.twitter.com/n3lFOUEoG1
— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) October 10, 2024
The Yankees bullpen was considered one of their biggest weaknesses heading into the postseason. Reliever Clay Holmes had struggled down the stretch, posting a 9.00 ERA and a 1.667 WHiP over his nine September innings, losing his place as the Yankees’ closer. However, the Yankees bullpen put together a historic postseason performance, with Sarah Langs from MLB noting on X that their 15.2 innings without allowing an earned run was the third most in any playoff series.
Success for the Yankees is measured in championships. The Yankees have not been to the World Series since 2009, with the 2010s marking the first decade the franchise has not appeared on that stage since the 1910s. While Judge and fellow outfielder Juan Soto are the likeliest candidates to lead New York to a title, unexpected players will also need to rise to the occasion.
Stanton and the Yankees bullpen did just that during the ALDS.
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