Giancarlo Stanton’s highly anticipated return to the Yankees is imminent, although the details surrounding his comeback remain uncertain. Stanton himself spoke about the situation, stating that he would need a few more days to assess the best plan moving forward. The team is currently evaluating his progress and aims to make a decision by the end of the following week.
Before his injury in late June, Stanton had a solid performance, hitting .246 with a .795 OPS and 18 home runs in 69 games. Recently, he was seen running the bases and taking batting practice, indicating that he is back to participating in full baseball activities. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed this, expressing his belief that Stanton is in a good spot and it’s now about building his stamina and ensuring he is ready to return at full capacity.
The absence of Stanton’s bat has been felt by the Yankees, particularly in the cleanup spot where he had been hitting before his injury. Prior to Saturday’s game, the team had the lowest OPS (.577) for the No. 4 slot in the majors. With Alex Verdugo struggling in that position, Boone acknowledged that it is an opportunity for someone else to step up and seize the role while Stanton remains sidelined.
Saturday’s batting order reflected this adjustment, with Austin Wells being moved up to the cleanup spot and Verdugo dropping to sixth. Stanton expressed his frustration at not being able to contribute to the team during their recent slump, which resulted in them falling to second place in the AL East.
Boone mentioned the possibility of using the Trajekt pitching machine to help Stanton prepare for his return without necessarily requiring a rehab assignment. This machine is designed to mimic real major league pitchers and their specific pitches, giving Stanton an opportunity to regain his timing and prepare for game situations.
The question of whether Stanton will need a rehab assignment remains unanswered. Since he does not need to play in the field, it may be possible for him to regain his timing through simulated settings rather than in minor league games. This would expedite his return and allow him to provide the much-needed boost to the lineup once he is back at full strength.
It is worth noting that Stanton’s previous returns from the injured list have not always resulted in him performing at his pre-injury level. However, if he can regain his form from earlier this season, the Yankees will undoubtedly benefit from his presence in the middle of the lineup. Overall, Stanton’s impending return brings a sense of anticipation and hope for the team and its fans, as they eagerly await his comeback and the potential impact he can make on their season.
