The New York Yankees are approaching full strength as they prepare for the return of slugger Giancarlo Stanton. After infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. recently came off the injured list, the team has now received promising news regarding Stanton, who may be back with the big-league club within the next two weeks. He has yet to play this season due to tendinitis in both elbows but has been training at the Yankees’ facility in Tampa to regain strength.
Stanton, who hasn’t seen game action since being sidelined before spring training, is making steady progress and may begin a minor-league rehab assignment as early as next week. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Stanton is continuing with baseball activities and could soon rejoin the team—depending on whether he needs rehab games or can return directly. His recovery seems on track, though Boone has not confirmed a definitive return timeline.
While Stanton has served exclusively as a designated hitter in recent seasons, his return could significantly boost the Yankees’ already powerful lineup. He has tallied 289 home runs and 823 RBIs in his seven seasons with New York. Despite the Yankees’ lineup already leading the American League in homers, Stanton’s presence would give the team an even deeper offensive threat, especially in the middle of the order.
When Stanton returns, the Yankees may slot him into a key power-hitting role, potentially batting him between left-handers Cody Bellinger and Jazz Chisholm. His addition also provides flexibility, as Ben Rice can cover first base when needed, allowing the team to rest veteran Paul Goldschmidt, who has played every game so far but has cooled off at the plate.
Looking ahead, Stanton’s impact may be most valuable during the postseason. With a .994 career OPS in playoff games and seven home runs during last year’s postseason alone, he was instrumental in New York’s 2024 ALCS victory and World Series appearance. With the Yankees currently holding a comfortable lead in the AL East and playoff chances near certain, Stanton’s return could be a major advantage down the stretch and into October.
