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.

With Aaron Judge limited to starting at designated hitter for the foreseeable future as he ramps back up from the flexor strain in his throwing arm, Stanton will likely start in right field against the Astros on Saturday afternoon.

Playing the field so Aaron Judge could serve as designated hitter while he rehabs his flexor strain in his elbow, Stanton held his own.