Giancarlo Stanton, the New York Yankees’ powerhouse slugger, made his season debut with the Double-A Somerset Patriots on Tuesday night, recording two singles and driving in three runs. Yankees’ skipper Aaron Boone mentioned that it’s too early to project a major league return for Stanton, who has been recovering from serious tendon injuries in both elbows that kept him out since before spring training.
Stanton has been ramping up his activities at the Yankees’ player development facility, and Boone is hopeful that the rehab stint will be brief. “He’s playing tonight, likely on the field again tomorrow, and then we’ll evaluate his status for Thursday and the weekend,” Boone explained before the Yankees embarked on a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, emerging victorious with a 10-2 triumph.
In the Patriots’ 8-1 win over the Portland Sea Dogs, Stanton delivered a two-run single off David Sandlin in the fifth inning and added another RBI single against Zach Bryant in the seventh. Serving as the designated hitter, Stanton also grounded out and drew a walk, concluding a solid 2-for-3 evening.
At 35, Stanton participated in 114 games last season, posting a .233 average with 27 home runs and 72 RBIs. His postseason performance was stellar, hitting seven home runs across 14 games and earning the AL Championship Series MVP honors. Boone expressed the importance of Stanton preparing his body and ensuring he’s received enough batting reps to be ready for the season. “He’s had an extensive ramp-up with numerous at-bats even before the start of his rehab, so we want to ensure he’s feeling great,” Boone highlighted.
Stanton hasn’t completed a full season since 2018, following his acquisition from the Miami Marlins, having missed 294 games out of 870 over the previous six seasons—about 34% of the time.
In related injury news, right-hander Marcus Stroman is anticipated to make a rehab appearance for Somerset on Wednesday as part of his recovery from left knee inflammation, which has kept him out since an April 11 start against the Giants.
Meanwhile, Jake Cousins, who has been on a rehab assignment, withdrew after experiencing discomfort in his right elbow. Cousins, dealing with a strained right forearm, underwent an MRI, Boone noted, and plans are in place to consult Yankees team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad to determine the issue. The reliever was instrumental in the playoffs last season, making six appearances for New York.
“It’s concerning that he’s feeling something in the elbow during his rehab and build-up,” Boone remarked. “But it’s essential to wait for more information before making any further conclusions.”