The New York Yankees will face the Los Angeles Angels without Giancarlo Stanton on Wednesday, as he takes a breather after playing in the last two games. In his absence, Jasson Dominguez will step in as the designated hitter, batting eighth, while Ben Rice makes his first start of the season at catcher. Rice has had limited opportunities since his call-up, primarily playing designated hitter or first base due to the presence of established players like Paul Goldschmidt. His versatility is being tested as the Yankees look to leverage his left-handed bat in an effort to break a five-game losing streak.

The New York Yankees are in a troubling slump, suffering their fifth consecutive loss after being shut out by the Angels. This frustrating stretch has seen them unable to score in 29 straight innings, raising concerns about their offense. Manager Aaron Boone's attempt to shake things up with Jasson Dominguez leading off proved ineffective as the team managed only four hits. Star slugger Aaron Judge is in a particularly rough patch, striking out three times and hitting only .105 over the last five games. Despite the alarming trend, Boone insists they are still one of the best offenses in the league and urges players to focus on quality at-bats.

The Yankees' recent performance has drawn comparisons to their eight-game losing streak last August, highlighting their struggle to regain offensive momentum. With the pressure mounting, Boone remains optimistic that the team can find its rhythm soon. The Yankees are in a precarious position as they look to rediscover their powerful identity and break out of this slump before it spirals further.

In Monday's MLB slate, several key players emerge as must-haves for fantasy lineups. Clarke Schmidt of the New York Yankees stands out with a solid 2.78 ERA and a 9.5 K/9 rate over his last eight starts, making him a strong option against the struggling Los Angeles Angels. Ryan Pepiot from Tampa Bay is also a top choice, boasting a remarkable 1.78 ERA and a 9.2 K/9 rate in his recent outings, particularly against a weaker Baltimore lineup.

Hitting options include big names like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, both of whom come with hefty price tags. For budget-conscious players, Jasson Dominguez and Jake Meyers offer promising upside at more affordable values. Stacking the Yankees against Ohtani or pairing Astros with their matchup against the Athletics could yield high returns.

With Giancarlo Stanton returning to the New York Yankees' lineup, the pressure intensifies on rookie Jasson Dominguez. Reportedly, manager Aaron Boone is considering Dominguez for the leadoff position against right-hand pitchers, where he has shown potential, batting .269 with a .353 OBP. Conversely, his performance against lefties has been disappointing, with a mere .172 average.

This lineup adjustment affects Trent Grisham and pushes Cody Bellinger to center field. Moreover, Dominguez faces scrutiny after a costly baserunning mistake recently. Boone emphasizes a need for accountability, urging Dominguez to be both productive and clean in his performance. The Yankees are looking for Dominguez to step up as they navigate a tight playoff race.

Giancarlo Stanton, the New York Yankees' designated hitter, is set to return after a stint on the injured list. His comeback is anticipated ahead of the Yankees' matchup against the Los Angeles Angels, following recovery from tendon injuries in both elbows. Stanton's extensive rehab included games with Double-A Somerset, where he delivered impressive stats, hitting .273 with four RBIs in three games.

Despite Stanton's absence, the Yankees maintain a robust offense, ranking among the top teams in the MLB in wRC+ and OPS. Manager Aaron Boone faces a challenging yet exciting dilemma: fitting Stanton into a lineup boasting Aaron Judge, Jasson Dominguez, and others, while balancing the designated hitter position and outfield slots effectively. The Yankees may also explore utilizing Ben Rice at catcher to maximize offensive potential. As Stanton integrates back into the lineup, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on the shifting dynamics within the Yankees' batting order.