ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The opportunity for Giancarlo Stanton finally arrived.

His first at-bat in five-plus months just did not turn into a moment, but what Aaron Boone saw in it was one of the few things he liked in the Yankees’ 1-0 loss to the Rays in Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday night at Tropicana Field.

Yankees pinch-hitter Giancarlo Stanton strikes out swinging during the ninth inning of Game 1 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, Saturday, October 3, 2026. The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the New York Yankees to take Game 1 of the ALDS.Yankees pinch-hitter Giancarlo Stanton strikes out swinging during the ninth inning of Game 1 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, Saturday, October 3, 2026. The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the New York Yankees to take Game 1 of the ALDS. Charles Wenzelberg for New York PostYankees pinch-hitter Giancarlo Stanton reacts after striking out swinging during the ninth inning of Game 1 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, Saturday, October 3, 2026. The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the New York Yankees to take Game 1 of the ALDS.Yankees pinch-hitter Giancarlo Stanton reacts after striking out swinging during the ninth inning of Game 1 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, Saturday, October 3, 2026. The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the New York Yankees to take Game 1 of the ALDS. Charles Wenzelberg for New York Post

With the Yankees trailing by a run in the top of the ninth, and Rays righty closer Bryan Baker entering from the bullpen, Boone sent Stanton up to pinch hit for the left-handed-hitting Ryan McMahon to lead off the frame.