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.

Playing the field so Aaron Judge could serve as designated hitter while he rehabs his flexor strain in his elbow, Stanton held his own.

At the beginning of July, the New York Yankees looked like the clear favorite to win the AL East. Fast forward to Aug. 9, and they now trail the Toronto Blue Jays by 6 ½ games for first place and the Boston Red Sox by 3 ½ games for second.