NEW YORK — The latest New York Yankees’ injury report brought a mix of optimism and concern Tuesday as the team celebrated slugger Giancarlo Stanton’s successful rehab debut while facing troubling news regarding reliever Jake Cousins.
Giancarlo Stanton, sidelined all season with elbow issues, showed encouraging signs in his first game action of 2025. The 35-year-old designated hitter went 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBIs for Double-A Somerset, signaling that his return to the Bronx is imminent — possibly as soon as this weekend’s rivalry clash against the Red Sox in Boston.
But just as the Yankees prepared to get one big name back, another key arm was pulled off his rehab assignment. Right-hander Jake Cousins, who had been recovering from a right elbow flexor strain, felt discomfort in the same elbow and is now shut down indefinitely.
Stanton’s rehab off to powerful start
After missing all of spring training with tennis elbow in both arms, Stanton finally got back into game form on Tuesday — and looked locked in. His two hits were both sharply struck: a two-run line drive single over the center fielder (111.4 mph exit velocity) and another RBI single to left-center.
“This will tell me how close I am,” Stanton said before the game. “There’s no simulating a major-league game, but if you want to get as close as you can, go to a minor-league game.”
Stanton has been working out at the Yankees’ facility in Tampa, where he faced live minor-league pitching and trained with the Trajekt pitch machine to regain timing.
Though not committing to a return date, Stanton made it clear that playing back-to-back games would be key before deciding on a major-league comeback. Manager Aaron Boone echoed the sentiment, saying Stanton would likely play again Wednesday before the team re-evaluates.
“Of course we always need him,” Boone said Tuesday in Kansas City. “But he knows what he needs to feel right with his body. He’s been building up his grip strength and legs the last month, and he knows when it’s time.”
The Yankees haven’t ruled out a return for Friday’s series opener at Fenway Park. If not, Stanton could rejoin the team early next week when they return home.
Stanton missed time earlier this spring with a minor calf issue, but the Yankees now feel confident he’s cleared those hurdles. Boone praised Stanton’s measured approach, saying, “He doesn’t rush things. He evaluates himself well and knows his body better than anyone.”
Stanton has endured six injured list stints since 2020 but has only required minor-league rehab assignments twice. Tuesday was his first game since the 2024 postseason, where he delivered a monster playoff performance despite playing through discomfort.
Cousins suffers setback as elbow issues resurface
While Stanton made progress, Jake Cousins’ recovery hit a worrying roadblock. After two rehab outings with High-A Hudson Valley, the 30-year-old felt discomfort in his right elbow and was pulled off his assignment.
“Jake felt some stuff at his elbow,” Boone said pregame. “He’s been pulled off the rehab assignment, and we’re just waiting to see what the MRI tells us.”
Cousins underwent tests on Tuesday, including an MRI and consultation with team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad. No timeline for his return has been announced, but Boone admitted the situation is “concerning.”
The setback comes just as Cousins had begun ramping up. He allowed two runs in his June 3 rehab debut but bounced back with a sharp two-inning outing on June 7, striking out three and touching mid-90s with his fastball.
Acquired from the White Sox in March 2024, Cousins became a key piece of the Yankees’ bullpen last season, posting a 2.37 ERA with 53 strikeouts across 38 innings. His breakout campaign earned him high-leverage responsibilities before a late-season pectoral strain sidelined him in September.
He reported to spring training in shutdown mode due to a forearm strain and experienced another pec issue in May, delaying his recovery. Now, with his elbow flaring up again, the Yankees are forced to reassess whether he can contribute this season.
“We’ve got to see what we have,” Boone said. “It’s disappointing, for sure.”
Yankees’ bullpen depth tested further
Cousins’ setback adds to a growing list of bullpen injuries for New York. Luke Weaver remains sidelined with a hamstring strain, and Jonathan Loaisiga is still trying to regain his form after returning from elbow surgery.
Fernando Cruz recently returned from a shoulder strain, but the loss of Cousins deprives the Yankees of one of their more dependable late-inning options.
Boone did share some encouraging news on Marcus Stroman, who is scheduled to make his first rehab start Wednesday with Double-A Somerset. Stroman has been out since April with right knee inflammation.
If healthy, Stroman’s return would help stabilize a rotation that has relied heavily on Max Fried, who improved to 9-1 with another stellar outing Tuesday night against the Royals.
What’s next for the Yankees?
Despite the injuries, New York (40-25) sits atop the AL East, thanks in large part to Fried’s dominance and timely offense. Stanton’s return would bolster a lineup that has already been heating up in June behind Aaron Judge and rising catcher Austin Wells.
The Yankees will continue to monitor Cousins’ status while hoping that Stanton’s bat can rejoin the Bronx Bombers soon. As for Chisholm, Volpe, and the rest of the infield, health remains a balancing act as the Yankees navigate a brutal summer stretch.
For now, the vibe in the clubhouse is cautiously optimistic.
“We’ve dealt with adversity already this year,” Boone said. “Getting Stanton back is huge, and we’re hoping for good news on Jake. We just keep grinding.”
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