"His addition is stronger than the omission of Jazz Chisholm" - Ex-Twins star claims Giancarlo Stanton’s return outweighs the Bahamian's injury impact
Former Minnesota Twins infielder Trevor Plouffe feels Giancarlo Stanton is more important to the New York Yankees than Jazz Chisholm Jr. That's despite Chisholm enjoying a terrific start since arriving at the trade deadline. Plouffe says that while the absence of Chisholm is a tough blow for the Yankees, having a healthy Stanton in the lineup could compensate for it.
Giancarlo Stanton spent over a month on the IL, during which the Yankees suffered a drastic slump until Jazz Chisholm was brought in at the end of last month. Chisholm made an instant impact, as the Yankees ended their rut with a four-game winning streak, while Stanton returned to the lineup around that time.
On Monday, Chisholm exited the game after hurting his elbow and was subsequently diagnosed with an UCL injury and moved to the IL two days later. Plouffe was asked whether his absence would be a devastating blow for the Yankees.
During the latest episode of the Baseball Today podcast presented by Jomboy Media on Wednesday evening, he replied:
"Obviously, he (Chisholm Jr.) brought a spark, he brought something different to that lineup. Some athleticism, some versatility that the Yankees surely needed. But I don't know if devastating is the right word. I think getting Giancarlo Stanton back is probably better for them. If he's gonna be who we think he can be, I think that's better (for the team).
"I think that Giancarlo Stanton can really change games. I know Jazz had this nice little stretch with the Yankees. But I'd go for the tried-and-tested guy. I would say that his addition is stronger than the omission of Jazz Chisholm," he added.
Jazz Chisholm is batting .316/.361/.702 with 1.063 OPS, while also adding seven home runs and 11 RBIs in 14 games for the Yankees.
Giancarlo Stanton gradually returning to form after IL stint
Before landing on the IL a couple of months ago with a hamstring strain, Stanton was having a solid campaign in 2024.
Despite averaging just .250, his OPS was around .800, while he also had 18 home runs and 45 RBIs. The 2017 National League MVP hasn't had the same impact since returning from his injury layoff, but he seems to be getting better with every game.
Since returning to the Yankees lineup on July 29, Stanton has batted just .225/.273/.450 with an OPS of .723 and had four hits in his first six games. However, he has gone 5-18 in his last five, with two home runs, seven RBIs and 1.000 OPS.