Boone considering dropping Stanton in Yankees' lineup

A painful start to the season by Giancarlo Stanton could lead New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone to bump the slugger down a spot or two in the batting order.

Boone allowed after Tuesday's loss against the Miami Marlins that moving Stanton down in the lineup is under consideration. He came to the plate Tuesday with two men on base twice, grounding into a double play in the first inning and popping out to second base in the third inning of the 8-1 loss.

"Eventually, the league will pay for some of his early struggles," Boone said.

Catcher Gary Sanchez and outfielder Aaron Hicks, typically slotted fifth and sixth behind Stanton when healthy and available, could move to the No. 4 and 5 spots to take pressure off of Stanton as a short-term fix.

Boos showered Stanton after the third inning popout, and he ended the game with an .086 batting average at Yankee Stadium this season. Stanton has 20 strikeout in 35 at-bats at home this season.

He's batting .323 with nine whiffs on the road in 2018.

"I want him just for peace of mind to get going a little bit and kind of settle in and get into the rhythm of the season, but long-term, he's too good for it not to start happening," Boone said.

Stanton was acquired from the Marlins for a package of prospects and second baseman Starlin Castro, who snagged Stanton's soft popout in the third inning.

"It's early. Not too many (positives)," Stanton said, "but you've got to own up to it and understand and find a way to get better. Find a way to get out of it."

--Field Level Media