Reinforcements are approaching for the New York Yankees, and they may arrive ahead of projections. With Giancarlo Stanton advancing toward activation and Jazz Chisholm Jr. fast-tracking his comeback from an oblique injury, the Yankees are bracing for a potential roster crunch—but it’s the type of “challenge” a contending team embraces.
As the Yankees handle May’s demanding schedule with a 32-20 record and the AL East advantage, two of their most dangerous offensive weapons could rejoin the squad within weeks, altering both the batting configuration and infield structure.
Stanton nears rehabilitation stage
Following extensive preparation and speculation, Giancarlo Stanton is approaching what the Yankees consider the concluding phase of his rehabilitation journey. The 35-year-old designated hitter travels to Tampa this week for live batting practice during a two-week period, according to general manager Brian Cashman, who provided the information Sunday on MLB Network Radio.
“Very [encouraging],” manager Aaron Boone confirmed before the Yankees’ series conclusion at Coors Field. “I feel like G’s been doing well now for a while, so getting him built up will be the next key. Live at-bats on the horizon here and see where we go from there.”
Stanton has remained unavailable since spring training with tennis elbow affecting both arms, an ailment that persisted despite his attempts to play through it during last year’s postseason. The Yankees remain undetermined regarding whether a rehabilitation assignment will be required. Previously, Stanton has bypassed minor league contests by utilizing Trajekt machines—advanced equipment that replicates major league velocity and pitch movement.
Since Stanton doesn’t require fielding practice, Boone indicated the choice will depend on whether simulated at-bats can prepare him for actual “game readiness.”
“He’ll certainly be part of that [decision],” Boone explained. “Obviously that looks a little bit different for him in that he’s not playing the field. But you still want to get him built up properly and give him somewhat of a spring training simulation.”
Stanton has already finished a baserunning regimen, a significant milestone following a calf problem earlier this spring that complicated his elbow concerns. While he’ll continue managing elbow discomfort moving forward—something he candidly accepted from camp’s opening day—the organization now considers his pain level “tolerable.”
“I think he’s been feeling good,” Boone noted. “There may be times in the year where it’s sore or whatever.”
Jazz Chisholm Jr. goes beyond expectations
While Stanton’s activation could require weeks, Jazz Chisholm Jr. might return even earlier.
The 27-year-old infielder, who exited the April 29 contest against the Orioles with what was originally described as right flank discomfort, received a subsequent diagnosis of high-grade oblique strain and joined the 15-day injured list on May 2. Initial projections suggested a 4–6 week recovery period.
Currently, that schedule may accelerate.
Chisholm shared a video on his Instagram Story recently, displaying himself taking complete swings in the batting cage with the message: “We gon have a problem.” The footage appeared days after he was observed taking grounders before the Subway Series and reportedly advancing without lingering issues.
Boone verified that Chisholm is approaching the stage of facing high-speed pitching, a step preceding a brief rehabilitation assignment. Though Chisholm has voiced his preference against minor league rehab appearances—he mentioned this during a recent charitable function—Yankees leadership still plans to have him restore timing in the minors before reactivation.
Prior to the setback, Chisholm encountered an uneven beginning to the 2025 season. Across 30 games and 125 plate appearances, he compiled a .181/.304/.410 performance line with seven home runs, 17 RBIs, and six stolen bases. Despite the offensive decline, his fielding remained exceptional. Throughout 251 innings at second base, he accumulated three Defensive Runs Saved and three Outs Above Average, confirming his Gold Glove standard capability.
Obtained from Miami in a 2024 exchange that delivered top prospect Agustín Ramírez to the Marlins, Chisholm batted .273/.325/.500 across 46 regular-season appearances for New York and participated in every postseason game, though his .559 OPS in October suggested improvement potential.
Upon returning to health, Chisholm is anticipated to resume his second base position, moving DJ LeMahieu to third and sending Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas to reserve or Triple-A assignments, absent additional roster adjustments.
Yankees roster headache likely
The upcoming returns of Stanton and Chisholm will generate challenging decisions for Aaron Boone. The existing lineup already demands balancing stars including Ben Rice, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, Jasson Domínguez, and Trent Grisham—with at least one requiring rest daily.
That complexity will magnify once Stanton claims the designated hitter role consistently and Chisholm recaptures second base. However, Boone isn’t concerned about the crowded situation currently.
Boone expressed confidence that roster complications tend to resolve naturally as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, the Yankees remain concentrated on sustaining their success as support approaches.
The New York Yankees are positioned to become increasingly formidable. With Giancarlo Stanton preparing for live batting sessions and Jazz Chisholm Jr. expediting his recovery, the lineup could soon reclaim two dynamic contributors capable of altering contests.
Should both players maintain health and effectiveness, Boone’s primary obstacle may not involve locating talent—it’ll concern accommodating everything within a single lineup arrangement.
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