The New York Yankees navigate mid-June with playoff goals and crucial roster choices approaching. Three significant players are making encouraging progress toward full health. Jasson Dominguez looks set to rejoin the active lineup, Fernando Cruz delivered an impressive performance following his injury absence, and Giancarlo Stanton’s season debut grows closer to reality.
The trio’s recovery timeline could significantly impact the Yankees‘ pursuit of American League supremacy.
Dominguez clears major hurdle to return
Yankees supporters experienced anxiety Sunday when Jasson Dominguez departed early during the Dodgers matchup with thumb discomfort. The promising 21-year-old outfielder had started developing offensive consistency before the concerning exit.
Dominguez sat out two straight contests, including Wednesday’s 4-0 defeat against Cleveland. However, successful pain-free batting practice sessions have positioned him for an imminent return to game action.
“He should be good to go,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed postgame, showing confidence in Dominguez’s availability.
The Yankees’ rookie slugger has compiled a .247 batting average with a .346 on-base percentage and a .420 slugging percentage this season. His totals include six homers and 25 RBIs across 49 appearances. While not yet an everyday starter, he’s proven valuable in Boone’s four-player outfield system featuring Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham.
Dominguez’s recovery arrives at an ideal moment as the Yankees prioritize lineup depth and defensive versatility.
Cruz at 100% in first action since activation
The Yankees bullpen received another boost Wednesday with Fernando Cruz‘s return to game action.
The 35-year-old reliever made his initial appearance since rejoining the active roster Tuesday. Cruz looked sharp during his comeback outing, recording three strikeouts against Cleveland across one inning while displaying excellent velocity and his devastating forkball.
He surrendered a solo homer to Kyle Manzardo on an elevated fastball but otherwise controlled the opposing hitters effectively.
“I thought Cruz was really good,” Boone said afterward. “Obviously gave up the homer, but the stuff was really good. Tallied up three more of the ugliest swings on the forkball.”
Cruz expressed satisfaction with his performance level.
“I feel amazing,” he said. “Velocity was there, stuff was there. Splitter felt amazing. It’s a good time to give the team what it needs. I’m ready, I feel good.”
Cruz has registered a 2.92 ERA with 1.01 WHIP and 38 strikeouts through 24.2 innings in 2025. He’s emerged as one of Boone’s most reliable relief options. His return provides essential depth to an area that remains a roster concern for the Yankees.
Stanton targets rehab games in coming days
The most anticipated Yankees comeback belongs to slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who hasn’t played this season due to bilateral elbow tendinitis. The veteran has been working out in Tampa at the team’s spring facility, participating in live batting practice sessions.
Boone avoided confirming Stanton’s specific next phase, but sources suggest a minor league rehab assignment could start next week. Successful completion would position Stanton for mid-June Yankees activation.
“Today was just a workout day,” Boone explained Wednesday. “He was doing baseball activities… I don’t know the next step — if it’s a rehab assignment or what. Hopefully, we’ll have that in the next 24 hours.”
When asked about bypassing rehab games as Stanton has done previously, Boone remained cautious: “I don’t want to speak too soon. We’ll see.”
The Yankees officials will likely require at least brief minor league action. Given Stanton’s injury history, the organization should proceed carefully with the 34-year-old power hitter.
Stanton’s activation would significantly strengthen the Yankees’ offensive core. He currently sits at 429 career home runs — just 71 from the 500 milestone that would virtually guarantee Hall of Fame consideration.
Roster impact and strategic considerations
Dominguez’s return, Cruz’s strong showing, and Stanton’s approaching activation will expand Boone’s options while creating new decisions.
The outfield rotation becomes increasingly complex. Judge and Bellinger maintain everyday roles, while Dominguez contributes speed and enthusiasm. Grisham provides defensive value despite limited usage. Stanton’s full-time designated hitter role will displace Ben Rice from that position.
This shift triggers infield adjustments as Rice may move to first base, potentially pushing Paul Goldschmidt to different positions as second base and reducing DJ LeMahieu’s playing time.
The bullpen has relied heavily on Ian Hamilton, Tim Hill, and Mark Leiter Jr. Cruz’s return gives Boone a high-strikeout option for late-game matchups while reducing pressure on closer-role arms.
The Yankees reach mid-June with reinforcements arriving at a crucial time. Challenging upcoming schedules make every healthy player valuable, especially with trade deadline planning beginning.
Dominguez provides youth and potential. Cruz stabilizes relief pitching. Stanton delivers championship-caliber power. Their combined return could determine the Yankees’ second-half success in 2025.
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