New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism regarding designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton's recovery, stating that the slugger is "much closer" to returning to the team. However, Boone cautioned that a specific timetable for Stanton's return remains uncertain.
Stanton has been sidelined since April 24 after sustaining a right calf strain. He had been nearing a return in mid-June, but experienced a "whole new injury" in his calf, which general manager Brian Cashman later clarified was not a setback but a separate issue. Since that time, Stanton has not resumed running the bases, and details regarding his progress have been limited.
Boone shared his latest assessment on Tuesday during an appearance on the "Talkin’ Yanks" podcast, aiming to correct what he perceived as a misrepresentation of Stanton's condition. He reiterated on Wednesday that the absence of a public timeline does not indicate an extended recovery period.
"I feel like he’s moving in a good direction," Boone said before a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates. "I just don’t know if [his return is] a couple of weeks from now, a few weeks from now, whatever it is. But he is getting much closer to that point."
According to Boone, Stanton is currently running and has been progressing to "certain speed points" while focusing on his recovery. The team reports that Stanton has also been hitting. Although Stanton typically prefers to forgo rehab assignments, relying on simulator training to prepare for games, his return-to-play plan is still undefined. Boone acknowledged the lack of a firm end date for Stanton's rehabilitation and the subsequent steps needed to reintegrate him into the lineup.