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Giancarlo Stanton strikes out in first Yankees at-bat in over five months — why Aaron Boone ‘liked what I saw’

During the opening game of the American League Division Series, the Yankees dropped a narrow 1-0 decision to the Rays at Tropicana Field. In the ninth inning, manager Aaron Boone opted to use Giancarlo Stanton as a pinch hitter against relief pitcher Bryan Baker after the veteran slugger missed more than five months due to persistent calf issues.

Although Stanton ultimately struck out following a five-pitch battle, Boone expressed satisfaction with his hitter's overall timing and approach at the plate.

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