Injured Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton hasn’t appeared in the majors since March 31, but it looks as if he’s nearing a return. The slugger will begin a rehab assignment Monday or Tuesday, according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone (via James Wagner of the New York Times). If there aren’t any setbacks, he’ll be back in the majors 20 days from then.
In Stanton’s case, it would be unwise to automatically assume a smooth rehab stint. After all, the 29-year-old Stanton has already seen his rehab process go haywire this season. Stanton originally went to the injured list because of a left biceps strain, and he then suffered multiple other left side injuries (to his shoulder and calf) which have prevented him from returning to the Yankees.
Injuries to Stanton and fellow big-hitting corner outfielder Aaron Judge have forced New York to rely on Brett Gardner, Clint Frazier, Cameron Maybin and Mike Tauchman for the majority of the season. That quartet, to its credit, has performed reasonably well. However, every member of that group pales in comparison to Judge and Stanton. While Stanton didn’t come close to matching his NL MVP-winning output with the Marlins from 2017 last season, he still slashed .266/.343/.509 (127 wRC+) with 38 home runs in 705 plate appearances.
Just as the Yankees will welcome Stanton’s return with open arms, they’ll be thrilled when injured reliever Dellin Betances is back on their roster. However, Betances isn’t as close to a comeback. The right-hander, who has been out all season with a bone spur in his shoulder, “felt soreness” in his lat during a throwing session this week, Wagner reports. Betances will head to New York for tests.
Why should Stanton rush back?
He’s guaranteed almost 300
million dollars. I’m sure he’s having fun playing golf…..
Do you know he’s playing golf? I’d think soreness in his left side would keep him form golf.
He has the big guarantee but he also is a professional that wants to live up to the contract and has the ability to opt out and seek more money if you don’t think professional pride isn’t enough
Jorge must be thinking of “not cowboy” Cespedes.
When is his opt out year? Doubt he opts out as his preferred destination, the Dodgers, will not sign him with Bellinger getting more expensive and plays rightfield.
He has 8(?) more years guaranteed to him? No way he opts out under any circumstances.
Dont rush back we dont miss his strikeouts
Yep, Morales is just killing the ball right now.
Joe don’t fall for his act.
He’s always hurt
No where in this article do they mention “worst contract ever”. Wonder why? At least Cabrera gets singles. Stanton is having trouble staying on the field at age 29… imagine when he gets to miggy’s age. And miggy at age 36 won’t strike out 200 times. LOL
Worst contract ever = Chris Davis
Brett Gardner
He’s not even the worst contract right now much less ever. That would go to Ellsbury.
Chris Davis is probably the right answer. However, Pablo Sandoval, Carl Crawford, Ellsbury, Jason Hayward & Yoenis Cespedes are all in the mix for that “honor”.
@Bernie I should have said worst Yankees contract.
Melchez do you even have a favorite team?, or do you just exhaust all your time trolling Yankees articles?
Cabrera’s career is pretty much shot and he has what, 4 more years? Stanton has two healthy years that were extremely productive. Idk why yanks hate on him so much. You traded nothing for him and has a big contract but if he went on the market with machado or Harper last year then he would been getting a contact just like them. He to me is a much scarier presence and batter than Harper. And I’m a met fan and didn’t like (don’t like) facing either one. But that’s besides the point. Stanton’s contract is at value for his abilities. Injuries are hindering but you can’t predict injuries no matter what we pretend. There are numerous worse contracts out there. And when he comes back and is hitting homers and him and judge are both healthy in that lineup putting on a show, I even will be watching.
And for all those who like war, this guy in a handful of injury shortened seasons has yet to have a war under 2.6. That’s pretty good in my eyes.
Albert**
Stanton is fine and has a “reasonable” contract. The problem is the number of years left on it. There probably won’t be much left of him at the end…..
Don’t hate Stanton but it was redundant to trade for him when you have a younger Judge playing in the same position. Why pay 20mm for a DH?
Especially when you already have a DH in Sanchez.
The worst contract in MLB history is the Angels Albee Pujols and the Orioles Chris Davis. Go a head a pick your poison on this one…. they both are garbage and have been garbage for years now.
Albert**
At least Pujols has(mostly) been able to play.
the mets did the right thing by not going for stanton can’t stay on the field it was the same when he was with the marlins
What makes you possibly think Stanton would wave his NTC for the Mets in the first place?
“Just as the Yankees will welcome Stanton’s return with open arms, …”
Four more players will get injured giving him a man hug.
I’m against all man hugs. I’m not crazy about all the handshaking either, but one thing at a time.
with betances down, cash has the perfect excuse and opportunity to trade quality assets for another reliever. who this time genius? Frazier for jace fry? andujar for yates…..
heaven forbid he should realize that if you had a top flight SP you may not need a bullpen that pitches 5 plus innings a game.
Otherwise cash has done a fine job……
Gotta love how the geniuses over past week were all for signing Keuchel, and than when the Yanks didn’t it was totally justified…the usual suspects by the way. Over the last ten ballgames this team is starting to come back down to earth. Gardner is stinking up the joint as usual, CC getting that grounder to his right yesterday will result in his third IL stint this year, and Frazier in RF is like a hippo on rollerblades.
Gardner has been stinking up the joint for years
I really hope Stanton and Judge can be back at 100% for the London series. It’s a massive step in terms of the development of baseball, and it would be a bummer if two of the games more marketable players couldn’t play.
I think the Yankees have bigger plans in mind than how they “represent the game” in London. Give me a break.
I apologize for hoping two injured players can come back/wanting the game to be represented well.
“It’s a massive step in terms of the development of baseball” Development in what way? If you’re referring to Europe that’s a huge fail. The NFL has barely made a dent in popularity over there, and they’ve been playing games for years.
Oh, it could absolutely could end up a huge fail, who knows. MLB hasn’t done this yet, so it is still a big step for baseball in an attempt to establish further interest in the sport.