Giancarlo Stanton had an outstanding performance in his first rehabilitation game with the Somerset Patriots, a Double-A team. The Yankees slugger demonstrated his power by hitting two hits and driving in three runs on Tuesday night. Stanton, who has been unable to play in the Major League season due to tendon injuries in both elbows, acted as a designated hitter against the Portland Sea Dogs, a Red Sox affiliate. Batting in the second turn, the Yankees slugger received a walk, hit a groundout, a two-run single and another run-scoring single before being replaced after the seventh inning. The Patriots won with a score of 8-1 in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, commented that it is still premature to determine when Stanton will return to the Major Leagues, but he was optimistic about the duration of his rehabilitation assignment.
Stanton, 35, played in 114 games last season, recording a .233 batting average with 27 home runs and 72 RBIs. His performance was outstanding in the playoffs, where he hit seven home runs in 14 games and was named Most Valuable Player of the American League Championship Series.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
In other injury-related 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. Jake Cousins was removed from his rehab 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, according to Boone, and a visit with the Yankees’ team doctor, Dr. Christopher Ahmad, was planned in hopes of determining exactly what went wrong. The reliever participated in six games for the Yankees in last season’s playoffs.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. And he’s had a pretty big preparation. He’s already had many at-bats, even before his rehabilitation start tonight. So, just making sure he’s had the necessary repetitions and feels really good.
Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
I mean, considering he was in his rehab and preparation and now feeling something in his elbow, it’s concerning. But then again, I don’t want to overreact. We don’t have any information.
Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
