Stanton returns as Yanks look to lock up East

NEW YORK -- Giancarlo Stanton, who has played just nine games this season due to knee issues, has returned to the starting lineup with the Yankees on the cusp of clinching a division title.

Stanton will bat fifth and play left field against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night. He has been out since June 25 after straining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

With just 10 games remaining in the regular season, the Yankees can lock up the AL East on Wednesday night by beating the Angels or with a loss by Tampa Bay.

Stanton is hitting .290 with one home run and seven RBIs. The 29-year-old slugger, in his second season with the Yankees, had been working out at the team's minor…