New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton shared an optimistic update Wednesday about his potential return to the lineup.
The five-time All-Star has been sidelined all season due to tendinitis in both elbows, which first flared up during spring training. According to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, Stanton recently made progress by facing live pitching during batting practice ahead of Tuesday’s game against the San Diego Padres — his first such session since being shut down. He followed it up with another round of batting practice on Wednesday.
Stanton told reporters he’s aiming for a return by the end of May, though he acknowledged he’ll likely need a rehab stint to get back in rhythm. “It depends on what kind of arms I can face in live sessions and how I feel during those at-bats,” he said.
The slugger has battled elbow issues before, including last season when he played through pain and still delivered in the postseason, earning ALCS MVP honors with seven home runs in October. Castillo noted that Stanton completely stopped swinging a bat in January due to severe pain and didn’t resume until March. At one point, surgery was on the table, but the decision was made to delay the procedure.
Stanton has since undergone injections to help manage the discomfort and says he’s ready to push through lingering pain if needed. “If I’m out there, I’m good enough to play,” he said. “There’s no halfway.”
The earliest Stanton is eligible to return is May 27, as he remains on the 60-day injured list.
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