Yankees Must Ensure Giancarlo Stanton Maximizes His Playing Time Before the Postseason

The Yankees have been one of the best teams in baseball this season despite facing a plethora of injuries all over the roster.

Well, the team is now starting to get healthy at the right time-- and that includes the return of slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who is expected to return to the lineup this week.

Stanton's presence may seem unnecessary to an already loaded Yankees team. However, it's important that manager Aaron Boone makes sure the outfielder gets enough reps in the next two weeks to be ready in October.

The $325 million man has appeared in just nine games this season, accumulating only 38 plate appearances. With the minor league season over, Stanton does not have the opportunity to play in a game other than at the MLB level.

It was reported that Stanton will take swings against top prospect Deivi Garcia before being activated, but nothing will prepare him more than in-game live at-bats.

It is crucial for Aaron Boone to make sure the slugger gets enough reps not only in the batter's box, but also in the outfield before he plays any postseason games. The Yankees can't afford Stanton to look fatigued during the most important matchups of the season.

While the 29-year-old has not quite been the star in New York that he was in Miami and largely disappointed in last year's postseason, he still carries a reputation with him that pitchers must respect and fear. First things first: he's got to get back in his rhythm sooner rather than later.