As the Yankees enter the second half of the season, all eyes are on Giancarlo Stanton as he nears his return, potentially within the next week. According to NY POST, his comeback could be crucial for the Yankees, provided he can regain the form he displayed before his hamstring injury on June 22. However, the team is wary, as Stanton’s returns from leg injuries over the past two seasons have been less than stellar.
Giancarlo Stanton’s comeback
In both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Giancarlo Stanton‘s performance nosedived after coming off the injured list. Prior to his injuries, he was hitting exceptionally well, but his productivity dropped significantly upon his return. The Yankees are hoping for a different outcome this time, as they need a strong middle-of-the-lineup presence to boost their offense.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared his thoughts, saying, “We’re hoping that the injury was minor enough this time and that he’s in a better physical condition upon his return. We believe he’s in a good spot, and he feels the same. We just have to trust in that.”
Boone mentioned that the Yankees would meet with Stanton over the weekend to discuss his next steps before a potential return. On Friday afternoon, Stanton was seen running the bases and participating in batting practice, indicating he is engaged in full baseball activities. Boone commented, “He’s definitely really close.”
Despite Stanton’s nearly four-week absence, the Yankees have not committed to sending him on a rehab assignment. Boone pointed out the advanced technology the team has, such as the Trajekt pitching machine, which simulates real major league pitching and could help Stanton regain his timing without needing minor league games.
Stanton’s previous injury recoveries have not gone smoothly. Last season, after six weeks on the injured list, his performance dropped from a .269 batting average and an .854 OPS to just .179 with a .670 OPS over 88 games post-return. Similarly, in 2022, after a calf strain, his performance fell from a .285 batting average and .862 OPS to hitting just .167 with a .748 OPS, followed by another injury that further hampered his season.
Before his recent hamstring strain, Stanton was batting .246 with a .795 OPS and 18 home runs in 69 games, providing a consistent threat in the middle of the lineup. His return at this level could significantly strengthen the Yankees’ lineup and offer better protection for key hitters like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.
The Yankees’ cleanup hitters have struggled this season, posting the majors’ lowest OPS at .583. Boone acknowledged the problem, stating, “There’s no question we’ve missed the consistency Stanton was showing. We’re looking forward to getting him back.
Injury news
Regarding injury updates, infielder Jon Berti, who is dealing with a strained left calf, will undergo a platelet-rich plasma injection following a minor setback. Meanwhile, right-hander Clarke Schmidt, recovering from a right lat strain, is scheduled to throw off a mound on Saturday.
As Stanton nears his return, the Yankees are hopeful he can stay healthy and maintain his pre-injury form, which could provide the much-needed boost for their postseason aspirations.
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