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.

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