The New York Yankees are facing a Giancarlo Stanton decision after his second straight absence from the lineup.

NEW YORK — With the way Giancarlo Stanton has been swinging the bat of late — and Aaron Judge relegated to a DH-only role as he recovers from his right flexor strain — the Yankees need to do everything they can to keep the slugger in the starting lineup.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone says Giancarlo Stanton is nearing a return to the outfield for the first time in nearly two years.