The New York Yankees are crushing it offensively — leading MLB in home runs (57) and OPS (.817) while ranking second in runs per game (5.5) behind the Cubs. Their red-hot offense has propelled them to a 19–15 record and first place in the AL East, two games ahead of the rival Boston Red Sox.
But imagine how dangerous this lineup could be with Giancarlo Stanton, the active career home run leader (429), back in action.
That may be happening sooner than expected.
Stanton, who hasn’t played yet in 2025, last hit 27 homers in 114 games during the regular season and added 7 more in the playoffs. But this spring, the 35-year-old slugger showed up to camp dealing with serious pain in both elbows, even suggesting season-ending surgery was on the table.
Stanton’s Recovery Gaining Momentum
Fast forward two months and three PRP injections later — Stanton’s outlook has improved significantly.
Speaking to YES Network on Sunday, he said he’s “hopefully not out too much longer.” On April 22, he took on-field batting practice for the first time this year.
While he admitted the pain may never fully disappear, Stanton told reporter Meredith Marakovits he hopes to manage it enough to get back on the field:
“There’ll be good days and bad days… you’ve got to keep the right mindset.”
This week, he’s scheduled to face live pitching again — hitting off fellow injured Yankee Jake Cousins, who’s recovering from a flexor strain.
Giancarlo Stanton
No Return Date Yet, But Progress Is Clear
There’s still no date for a rehab assignment, which Stanton says will depend on how those live at-bats go.
The Yankees recently transferred him to the 60-day IL, meaning the earliest he can return is May 24, according to The Athletic.
In the meantime, the team picked up outfielder Bryan De La Cruz off waivers from the Braves, assigning him to Triple-A. De La Cruz offers some power insurance, having hit 19 and 21 home runs over the last two seasons with Miami and Pittsburgh.
For now, Stanton says he’s doing what he can to contribute from the sidelines:
“It’s been awful for me. But anything I can do to help the guys out, that’s my job now.”
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