TAMPA — Giancarlo Stanton was on the Yankees’ lineup card, hitting third against the Pirates on Thursday at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
So when Luis Severino took the mound for a 9:15 a.m. simulated game on Field 2, it was odd to see Stanton step into the batter’s box and face the staff ace. And then do the same against gas-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman.
Players who are in the lineup rarely — if ever — participate in a simulated game that day. And players with Stanton’s profile — 2018 NL MVP; a $325 million contract — aren’t usually seen near a simulated game even if they aren’t in the lineup.