Yankees’ reason for leaving big bat on bench doesn’t add up

Greg Bird (l.) and Giancarlo Stanton (r.) Paul J. Bereswill (2)Matchups.

That’s the explanation acting manager Josh Bard gave for keeping Giancarlo Stanton on the bench in the bottom of the eighth inning with the bases loaded, two out and the Yankees going to a pinch hitter while down three runs to the Tigers.

In other words, in a position to give his team the lead with one swing of the bat.

Stanton, dealing with a tight hamstring for weeks, had started 85 consecutive games since May 29. It is understandable the Yankees, scheduled to fly cross-country following Sunday’s homestand finale in advance of Monday’s 1 p.m. PDT game in Oakland against the A’s, would have wanted to get Stanton a day…