Stanton Shines in Rehab: 2 Hits, 3 RBIs and Imminent Return to the Yankees

Giancarlo Stanton had a promising return to action with two hits and three RBIs in his first rehab appearance for the Double-A Somerset Patriots on Tuesday night. Stanton, who has been absent all season from the Major Leagues due to injuries in the tendons of both elbows, served as a designated hitter against the Portland Sea Dogs, an affiliate of the Red Sox. Batting second, the powerful Yankees hitter connected with a walk, a groundout, a two-run single, and another RBI single before being replaced after the seventh inning, while Somerset dominated the game with a score of 8-1 in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, commented that it is too early to determine when Stanton could return to the Major Leagues, but he was optimistic about the duration of his rehabilitation assignment.

He’s playing tonight. He’ll probably play tomorrow. And then we’ll see on Thursday, if he plays again or what we want to do over the weekend.

Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager

Stanton, 35, only participated in 114 games last season, but achieved a batting average of .233 with 27 home runs and 72 RBIs. His best performance was seen in the playoffs, where he hit seven home runs in 14 games and was named Most Valuable Player of the American League Championship Series.

For him, it’s about strengthening his body and being in a position where he knows he’s had enough at-bats and enough repetitions to be ready for the game, to be ready for the season.

Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager

In other injury news, right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman is expected to make a rehab appearance for Somerset on Wednesday, as he recovers from left knee inflammation that has kept him out of action since his start on April 11 against the Giants. On the other hand, Jake Cousins was removed from his rehabilitation assignment after the right-handed pitcher felt something in his right elbow. Cousins, who has been dealing with a strain in his right forearm, underwent an MRI and a visit with the Yankees team doctor, Dr. Christopher Ahmad, is planned, with the hope of determining exactly what went wrong. The reliever made six appearances for New York in the playoffs last season.

I mean, considering he was in his rehab and recovery and now he feels something in his elbow, it’s concerning.

Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager