Copyright yardbarker
At this point in the season, every swing feels like it could tilt the balance of October. That was the energy in Yankee Stadium on Thursday, with Giancarlo Stanton performing in the limelight. He hit a three-run double down the line, not just putting New York ahead against Chicago, but sending a clear message regarding the focus, urgency, and what comes next in their upcoming series with Toronto. The Yankees have ignited at the right time, threading together five straight wins and moving to 91-68 on the year. They have pulled even with the Blue Jays atop the AL East, though the Blue Jays still clinch the tiebreaker. With just three games left in the regular season, the division crown and the critical first-round playoff bye that comes with it hang in the balance. Stanton, Aaron Judge, and the rest of the squad know exactly what is at risk. Speaking after Thursday’s 5-3 win, Stanton described what that advantage would mean. “The bye is always good,” Stanton said. “You’ve got guys that are beat up, that need a rest, a little mental break before how heavy those games can get. It’s ideal.” For a franchise that benefited from that bye last season on their way to the World Series, the message is obvious: seizing it again could be the difference-maker. That clarity has come at a perfect time for the Yankees leaders, specifically for Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodon. Judge continues to draw an intentional walk at a historic rate. At the same time, Rodon capped off his most effective season in pinstripes with another powerful outing. Stanton highlighted that this is not just related to beating the Jays. Instead, it is related to playing a clean game and shaping up against all the other teams, beginning with the Orioles, who have multiple dangerous stars despite being out of the playoff race. “They’re always a threat,” Stanton said. “We know we’ve got to go out and play well, execute and play good baseball”, he added.
