Yankees manager Aaron Boone sat Stanton for two games last week following Aaron Judge ’s return from an elbow injury. Judge is still limited to DH duties, forcing Boone to use Stanton in the outfield following a rash of lower-body and soft-tissue injuries in recent years.

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.