Giancarlo Stanton Translates Spring Success into Regular Season: ‘Locked In’

Giancarlo Stanton has extended his strong spring showing into the early regular season. The veteran outfielder looks healthy and productive through the Yankees’ opening games in San Francisco.

Early-season production

After Saturday’s 3-1 win at Oracle Park, Stanton was 6-for-12 with one home run in the first three games. He also produced a 114.4 mph RBI single off Giants starter Logan Webb.

On Opening Day he scored from second on a José Caballero single to left. Managers and teammates noted the quality and intent of his swings.

Coaches and teammates react

Cody Bellinger summarized the feeling succinctly, saying, “He’s locked in.” Manager Aaron Boone praised Stanton’s discipline at the plate and his ability to execute game plans.

Boone also pointed to Stanton’s strong finish to spring training. He had hoped the late-camp form would carry into the regular season.

Health, history and context

The 36-year-old continues to manage tennis elbow in both arms on a daily basis. Still, he has found ways to stay effective without losing power.

Last year Stanton posted a .273 average with a .944 OPS and 24 home runs in 77 games. His 8.5 percent home-run rate matched the mark from his 2017 NL MVP season.

Partnership with Aaron Judge

When Stanton and Aaron Judge both homered in Friday’s game, it marked their 60th time homering in the same contest. The Yankees are 53-7 in those games.

That 60-game total ranks second among teammate pairs in franchise history. Only Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth hit homers together more often, with 75 games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Filmogaz.com will continue to follow Stanton’s progress as spring success translates into regular season performance. Early indicators suggest the Yankees welcome this version of Stanton, provided he stays healthy.