The Yankees’ gamble: Reinstating Giancarlo Stanton after one rehab game

SEATTLE — A few weeks back, the Yankees boasted of taking a measured approach and not rushing Giancarlo Stanton‘s return despite the recent injury to another outfielder. But the power hitter is expected to return to the active roster and play in Friday’s game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

Following a single rehab game, marking Giancarlo Stanton’s first appearance in six weeks, his return to the lineup is based on the Yankees’ belief that he is fully prepared. It is not motivated by the desire to fill the offensive gap left by center fielder Harrison Bader, who was placed on the injured list on Tuesday due to a right hamstring strain.

Friday is set to be a significant night of reunions for the Yankees, as they are not only expecting the return of Giancarlo Stanton but also plan to activate third baseman Josh Donaldson and reliever Tommy Kahnle, both of whom have been sidelined with injuries for an extended period of time.

Before Wednesday’s game in Seattle, Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his belief that Giancarlo Stanton, Donaldson, and Kahnle are prepared to make their returns to the team.

While the returns of Donaldson and Kahnle over the weekend were anticipated, Giancarlo Stanton’s inclusion among them comes as a surprise.

In the past week, Donaldson has participated in four minor-league games while Kahnle has pitched a total of five innings across five appearances in the past two weeks.

Josh Donaldson 458-foot home run 😳 pic.twitter.com/5u3NMTkh0p

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 28, 2023

However, Giancarlo Stanton’s situation is different as he made his first rehab appearance on Tuesday night. Despite going hitless, he managed to draw a walk in four plate appearances while playing for the Double-A Somerset Patriots.

Why not allow Giancarlo Stanton to have more opportunities at the plate before removing him from the injured list?

After considerable hitting practice against high-velocity machines, the Yankees are optimistic that Giancarlo Stanton is ready to contribute.

Boone mentioned that the advancements in technology and training methods have allowed them to replicate game-like at-bats more effectively than ever before. In Giancarlo Stanton’s case, while he has focused on outfield work and building up his running, the team has utilized various resources to accelerate his progress in hitting. Boone expressed confidence in these methods and reassured that he is not overly concerned about Giancarlo Stanton’s readiness in that aspect.

Since sustaining a left hamstring strain on April 16, Giancarlo Stanton has been absent from the Yankees’ lineup, causing him to miss a total of 43 games, including Wednesday’s match in Seattle.

Donaldson’s absence from the field has been prolonged, as he has been on the injured list for 52 games due to a right hamstring strain.

Kahnle’s left forearm issue from spring training has kept him on the disabled list for the duration of the season.

According to Boone, all three players, Giancarlo Stanton, Donaldson, and Kahnle, have reached a healthy and elevated level of readiness.

Boone commented that the players have been performing admirably for some time now and have been engaged in extensive physical preparations to ensure their readiness. He emphasized the importance of getting game-time experience and repetitions as a significant factor in their return.

Even though Boone smiled when asked about the chances of the three players being lifted off the injury list by Friday, the Yankees’ upcoming roster additions were not yet announced as of Wednesday.

Boone acknowledged that there is a possibility of the players returning by Friday but emphasized the need to assess the situation and take it one day at a time. He expressed that it is a plausible scenario that they could be back in action soon, but it will depend on how things progress.

Following their workout at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, the three players are anticipated to travel to Los Angeles on Thursday, taking advantage of the team’s off day. It is projected that they will be ready to play and active for the game on Friday.

In the beginning, Giancarlo Stanton’s role will be limited to that of a designated hitter.

Boone indicated that Giancarlo Stanton would likely serve as the designated hitter for at least the first couple of weeks, with plans to gradually introduce outfield work into his pregame routine.

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