At Giancarlo Stanton’s introductory press conference after he was traded from the Marlins to the Yankees in December 2017, the slugger made it clear the playoffs were already on his mind.
“That’s what I’ve always dreamed of,’’ Stanton said. “You always want to be in competitive games that mean something, and your performance means something to the team and the city. It’s going to be a fun challenge, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Since then, Stanton had a miserable showing in the 2018 ALDS loss to the Red Sox and followed that up by struggling through two injury-filled playoff rounds a year ago.
But in their AL Wild Card Series win over the Indians, Stanton delivered a pair of homers — his only hits — two walks and a sacrifice fly.
And he seems to have recovered from the hamstring strain that hobbled him for much of the regular season.
Giancarlo StantonCorey Sipkin“It’s big for me,’’ Stanton said of being able to contribute this postseason. “I know what I mean to this lineup and what I can bring to the table. It’s a matter of not showing up on paper, but to be out there and do it.”
He’ll get another chance when the Yankees open the ALDS against the Rays on Monday at Petco Park in San Diego.
Stanton said returning to the lineup without being able to play in rehab games — since there was no minor league season — was “challenging.”
“But at the same time, it’s the cards I was dealt,’’ Stanton said. “I’ve got to figure it out. No one is going to feel bad or sorry for me if my timing’s not there. If I’m in the lineup, I’ve got to contribute.”
Stanton played in just 41 regular-season games over the past two years, hitting seven homers. He says his timing is coming back and the last couple of seasons have been “very tough, but that’s behind me.”
What lies ahead remains to be seen.
Nearly three years ago, Stanton said, “The city’s been waiting for another World Series and a playoff run, and they got close enough [in 2017]. But hopefully, with my addition, we’re going to advance and be better, a better team. We have to go out and perform, but I want to make this team better.’’
He has another opportunity next week.
