The Yankees are cruising at the top of the AL East, but under the surface, there’s a quiet storm brewing. With Injuries creeping in and options thinning out, one massive name is still missing from the lineup – a game-changer who lit up last October with clutch home runs. Fans were hoping he’d be back by now. So was the team. But the latest update? Well, even the manager, Aaron Boone, doesn’t know if that return is happening anytime soon.
We are talking about Giancarlo Stanton, who had to be sidelined as both of his elbows endured serious tendon damage. He hasn’t played a single game this season. The 35-year-old started taking live ABs last month, but it seems like Boone is still not quite sure about his return.
While talking to the media on Wednesday, the manager said the Yankees haven’t determined the next move for Stanton. “No, I know he’s doing—he’s probably already finished actually with it today. Today was just a workout day, I think he did baseball activities. I don’t think he was doing live today, but just a full workout,” he said.
Boone sounded uncertain about Stanton’s rehab as well, as he added, “I think he’s probably headed back up here, but I don’t know the next step, if it’s a rehab assignment or what. Hopefully, we’ll have that in the next 24 hours.”
The Yankees have not yet determined next steps for Giancarlo Stanton
He is likely headed back to New York before they decide what will come next pic.twitter.com/USOFfH0FbH
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) June 4, 2025
The Yankees are being extra careful with Stanton’s return, allowing him enough time to be able to pick up where he left off last year. And that’s how it should be. Earlier, when asked about it on MLB Network Radio, the Yankees GM Brian Cashman said that Stanton could start a rehab assignment “soon,” but it is yet to be seen.
The Yankees’ roster, in the meanwhile, has taken a severe hit, with Luke Weaver being the latest on the injured list, having suffered a hamstring strain. Oswaldo Cabrera and Jasson Dominguez are the others on the injury list, while Devin Williams has been called back to be the closer in Weaver’s place.
These recurring injuries continue to trouble the Bronx Bombers. But Stanton’s void has been managed by recent additions, which have proven effective. New faces like Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt continue to produce goods for the team, while Ben Rice and Trent Grisham have broken out big this season.
Still, Aaron Judge could use a veteran’s support in the back. Stanton has a fiery fight left in him, and the clubhouse clearly needs that veteran energy, someone who values team spirit above all. He brings in the win-now mentality to the team, which was recently evident when the Yankees accepted the AL champ rings.
Stanton warns his teammates about the ring
No one has forgotten last October and how it ended for the Yankees. It wasn’t the fairy tale ending they expected. While the Dodgers took home the championship ring, all the Yankees could do was watch. Sure, they got a ring, the 2024 American League title, but let’s be honest, it didn’t exactly sparkle. And when the team received it, Stanton had a stark reminder to share.
At the Yankees’ Welcome Home Dinner in Manhattan, he took a stand, warning his fellow Yankees. “This isn’t the one we wanted, boys,” he said flatly. “I’d better not see any of you guys wearing these around.”
Of course, this was not what they worked hard for last season. When Stanton powered the team to the World Series, this wasn’t the outcome he had dreamt of. So naturally, he reminded the team not to settle for this, especially as they have a real chance this season.
And, Stanton wasn’t the only one with that opinion. Clarke Schmidt called the ring a “participation trophy,” while Carlos Rodon said they were “First loser.”
Well, it is clear as day that the wound is still open, and all the Yankees are looking for is a chance at redemption. With a 37–22 record this season, that shot at redemption might not be far off, if the momentum holds and they keep firing on all cylinders.
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