Yankees May Want to Keep Clint Frazier if Giancarlo Stanton Can't Stay Healthy

The injuries were finally beginning to subside in the Bronx, as the New York Yankees regained their new-age "Murderers Row." With Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge returning in the past week, all appeared to be well in Yankee Land.

That was, until Tuesday night, when the cold hand of reality slapped the Bronx Bombers across the face.

During the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays, Stanton picked up a knock after sliding into third base. He initially stayed in the game, but was soon replaced by Brett Gardner. While many pinpointed the cause as Stanton getting his hand stepped on, the team announced it was due to a right knee contusion, where he was scheduled to undergo an MRI that night.

With Stanton and Judge picking up where they left off, it appeared young outfielder Clint Frazier was as good as gone, with the likelihood of him being traded for an ace pitcher.

The Yankees should consider pumping the brakes on that idea.

If you need a valid reason, just look at Stanton's injuries in 2019. Torn biceps, followed by a strained left shoulder, left calf strain, and now a contusion to his right knee, of which Yankee fans await the results of an MRI. Stanton has proven to be anything but reliable in terms of health.

While yes, Frazier lacks the elite fielding skills most MLB teams desire, there's no question that he has the bat to make up for it. In 53 games this season, Frazier is batting .283 to go alongside with 11 home runs, and 34 RBI.

Despite his strong batting statistics, Frazier was a victim of the numbers game, as he was sent down to Triple-A following the Yankees' acquisition of Edwin Encarnacion. In other words, the Yankees have an embarrassment of riches in terms of talent, and while a Frazier trade certainly makes sense, the Yankees may be hesitant if Giancarlo Stanton's injury troubles persist.

Many thought it was the beginning of the end of "Red Thunder's" tenure in New York, especially with the team expressing their willingness to move him for the right pitcher (with years of control).

With this latest chapter added to the Giancarlo Stanton injury saga, general manager Brian Cashman needs to at least consider resisting those "trade fingers" and keeping Clint Frazier. Especially if Stanton is facing another lengthy stint on his home away from home...the injured list.