New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton could make a return for the team's upcoming playoff games, following a prolonged absence of five-and-a-half months due to calf strains. Stanton has not played since April 24, having started the season with a .256 batting average, three home runs, and 14 RBIs in 24 games.
On Wednesday, Stanton participated in batting practice against pitchers at Double-A Somerset, alongside center fielder Trent Grisham, who has been sidelined since September 4 with a strained right hamstring. Both players took live batting practice, during which Stanton homered in six or seven at-bats.
"Putting them on the outskirts of the conversation," New York manager Aaron Boone stated, his voice raspy due to a cold. The Yankees, already managing without star player Aaron Judge who is dealing with a strained right calf, are expected to host the Boston Red Sox in a best-of-three Wild Card Series commencing Tuesday at Yankee Stadium.
Following the conclusion of the seasons for the Yankees' minor league affiliates, some players have been working out at Somerset in New Jersey. Stanton, who is 36 years old, previously won the NL MVP award. In his first season with the Yankees in 2018, he recorded 38 home runs and 100 RBIs. Since joining the team, he has missed 500 out of 1,194 games, a rate of 41.9%, up to the end of the recent regular season.
His medical history includes numerous injuries, such as strains of his right biceps, right knee, left hamstring (on three occasions), left quadriceps, and both calf muscles. He has also experienced right ankle inflammation, left Achilles tendinitis, and tendon pain in both elbows.
Regarding Stanton's potential role, Boone suggested, "You’re looking more at a pinch-hit scenario. We’ll see if that’s even a realistic option."
Stanton is under contract for $25 million in the upcoming year, which is the final guaranteed season of a 13-year, $325 million deal. The contract includes a $10 million buyout for a club option in 2028.