Yankees social media trolls Nationals with old Giancarlo Stanton tweet

Giancarlo Stanton’s name means many things. For Yankees fans, it means a power hitter who is seemingly always a part of the conversation around the team (for better or for worse). For opposing pitchers, it’s a name that likely sends a cold chill down their spine. 

And, when his last name is spelled backward, it showcases his dislike for the Washington Nationals, as he playfully pointed out in a tweet to Bryce Harper nearly 13 years ago. 

We got another reminder of that on Tuesday when Stanton recorded all five of the Yankees’ RBI in their 5-1 win over the Nationals — a performance that was so good the Yankees social media team had to get in on it. 

Yankees social media trolls Nationals with old Giancarlo Stanton tweet

Stanton’s massive day against his last name’s mortal enemy is just another chapter in what’s becoming a marquee season for the 35-year-old. Stanton’s now slashing .313/.388/.663 with 17 home runs and 46 RBI in just 51 games. 

While his early-season absence hamstrung the Yankees’ offense early in the year, he’s more than atoned for those problems with the hot streak he’s put together since his return.

His .663 slugging is the third-highest mark in baseball since he made his return, and he ranks 11th in home runs and 12th in RBI. 

He’s posted a 1.248 OPS in 30 games since the All-Star Break, which is second to Nick Kurtz of the Athletics. 

“This, I feel like -- and it's saying a lot -- is maybe as good as I've seen him, just consistency-wise,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said to reporters on Tuesday about Stanton. “Consistency of at-bat after at-bat after at-bat. I feel like he is controlling the zone probably as well as I've ever seen him.”

Stanton’s also been able to add some value in the field after only being a designated hitter last year, which has been a huge boost thanks to Aaron Judge only being able to serve as designated hitter due to his arm injury. 

While no one is going to mistake Stanton for Willie Mays in the outfield (-2 Defensive Runs Saved this year), it’s allowed for Boone to have a bit more leeway in creating his lineups around Judge’s limitations. 

And, most importantly, he’s helping the Yankees win games. They’re stuck in the middle of chasing the division crown (4 1/2 games behind the Blue Jays) while also trying to hold off the rest of the field in the American League Wild Card race (4 1/2-game lead over the Royals), so they have almost no wiggle room. 

We’ve seen Stanton go on some wild tears before, but his current one may take the cake.