Yankees injury update: Stanton, Donaldson close to making their comebacks

Wednesday May 31, 2023

On Monday night in Seattle, the Yankees had a great offensive game with a season-high 18 hits, and they kept getting closer to having their full rotation. During a rehab stint at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, New Jersey, two of their hard-hitting players made big steps toward their soon-to-be-returned status.

Tuesday at the Double-A Somerset Patriots, a tangible buzz filled the air, generating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.

People crowded around the door to the clubhouse, eager to see what was going on. To get a better look, they leaned over the railing and craned their necks. It was their chance to see Giancarlo Stanton and Josh Donaldson play.

As the former MVPs, Giancarlo Stanton and Josh Donaldson, took the field for Somerset’s 3-1 loss against the Portland Sea Dogs, they embarked on a critical phase that they hoped would culminate in either a journey to the West Coast this week, aligning with the Yankees’ series against the Dodgers, or, at the very least, an imminent return to Major League Baseball.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters in Seattle that Somerset fielded an impressive lineup on the day, referring to it as a “juggernaut.” He noted that having a strong batting order from 1 through 6 in a Double-A lineup is quite noteworthy. Boone mentioned observing the game and sensing an exciting atmosphere at the ballpark, which he found to be a cool experience.

Before the game, Donaldson, who played third base for all nine innings, said, “If Tuesday goes well, I’ll likely be flying out to LA in the next day or so.” He proved how good he was by going 1 for 4 and getting a single during the game.

Stanton, who is the Yankees’ hardest hitter, had a quieter game as the designated hitter, going 0-for-3 and drawing a walk. When asked about his plans, he was more cautious and said, “I’ll get through today and go from there.” This meant that he would be careful before making any more choices.

Stanton, speaking from inside the Patriots’ dugout after batting practice, acknowledged that the past six weeks had not been ideal. He mentioned that he would not be participating in the Somerset game scheduled for Wednesday at 11:05 a.m. However, he expressed his current presence and noted that he was very close to reaching the desired level of performance he aspired to achieve.

During Donaldson’s last rehab stint with Somerset, he felt his hamstring getting tight before an April 18 game. Even though he was in pain, he decided to keep playing for the Yankees because he didn’t want to leave the game and he hoped the tightness would go away on its own. Even though he only went 1 for 3 that night, this choice turned out to be a bad one.

Due to an extended recovery period, Donaldson approached the resumption of baseball activities with increased caution after the setback that lasted for five weeks. The Yankees baseman mentioned that the recovery process was taking a bit longer than expected but emphasized that he currently feels good.

Donaldson did well when he went back to his rehab assignment. On Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, he went 3-for-9 in three games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Notably, the fact that he hit a double off a cutter and a home run off a changeup showed that his timing has been getting better. Donaldson said, “It’s been going really well.”

Stanton described his return from the recent injury, which brought about feelings of “disbelief and disappointment,” as different from previous experiences. He noted that the progression has been steady and characterized it as incremental in nature.

In Tuesday’s game, Stanton faced live pitching for the first time since his injury. Prior to that, hitting off the machine was the closest he had come to simulating game-like conditions.

Stanton hurt his hamstring when he was slowing down to second base on April 15 after hitting a double. He said that one of the most important parts of the rehab assignment was getting more game time or at-bats to get his timing back.

The reintegration of Stanton into the Yankees lineup follows a more defined trajectory. Initially, the 33-year-old will assume the designated hitter role with the eventual objective of transitioning back to the outfield. Stanton expressed that playing in the outfield would be beneficial for him due to the increased movement involved in the position.

Stanton emphasized the importance of staying in the flow of the game when asked about playing in the outfield. However, he acknowledged that ultimately, it doesn’t matter which position he occupies. His primary focus is to remain on the field, regardless of his specific location.

However, for Donaldson, the situation is a bit more intricate.

Last week, Yankees manager Aaron Boone referred to him as an everyday player.

Donaldson had a batting average of .125 when he got injured. He had only two hits and one home run in 16 at-bats. DJ LeMahieu took over as the main third baseman while he was out. Gleyber Torres played more at second base, and Anthony Rizzo kept doing his job at first base.

Donaldson expressed that he doesn’t expect any added pressure or significance with each at-bat beyond the usual.

Donaldson remarked that he believes every day wearing a uniform presents a special chance to compete and prove oneself. He emphasized that he has never relied on being handed anything and is accustomed to earning his position through his performance.

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