When the Yankees announced their starting lineup prior to Saturday's ALCS Game 6 in Houston, the most notable change came at the DH spot.

One night after it was Giancarlo Stanton called upon to serve that role, Edwin Encarnacion is back in the lineup for Game 6, batting out of the fifth spot.

During his pregame press conference, Aaron Boone explained that his decision to start Encarnacion over Stanton was not an easy one.

"It was one of those that I toiled over kind of last night and into this morning," Boone said. "I feel good about both guys. Not quite ready to put G out in the field, so it's now the DH conversation. Even though Edwin's had some really tough games, still feel like he's got a chance to really impact things and felt like I wanted to get him in there today and keep the infield alignment the same.

"So, it was really just kind of deciding between two good players, but in G's case, first game back form the injury that he's still battling with, late game with getting in in the middle of the night and stuff, so it was a decision for me. I feel like there's potentially a big spot for him off the bench still. The good thing is it's a tough decision because we've got two really good players."

Encarnacion was the Yankees DH for the first four games of the series, but he's struggled mightily at the plate, going just 1-for-15 with eight strikeouts.

But Stanton didn't appear to be a much better in option in Game 5. Coming off of a quad injury suffered in Game 1, Stanton made his return to the series on Friday night, but he went 0-for-3 at the plate with a pair of strikeouts.

Now, Boone and the Yankees are hoping that Encarnacion can bounce back and provide some power during Saturday night's bullpen game against the Astros to keep the Bombers' season alive.

HARPER: Paxton delivered in biggest moment of his Yankees career >> Read More

Popular in the Community