With Aaron Judge able to serve as designated hitter but not able to field — he is beginning to build up his right arm after a flexor strain — and with lefty Framber Valdez expected to be on the mound for the Astros, the Yankees are ready to at least somewhat risk Stanton’s legs to shoehorn his bat into 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.