Stanton returns to action: 2025 debut with Yankees after elbow injury

Giancarlo Stanton returns to strengthen the Yankees

The New York Yankees celebrate the return of Giancarlo Stanton, who will make his debut in the 2025 season in the first game of the series against the Angels at Yankee Stadium. The team confirmed this Monday the activation of the slugger from the injured list. Stanton, 35, missed the preseason due to discomfort in both elbows, a problem he has been dealing with since last season. In his recent rehab assignment in Double-A Somerset, he batted .273, with a double, four RBIs, and a walk in three games. To make room on the active roster, Dominican infielder Pablo Reyes was designated for assignment.

His at-bats look good. He has good rhythm and is reacting well to fastballs. In our recent conversations, he seems confident and ready to return.

Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager

Stanton’s return also implies adjustments to the designated hitter rotation, a role that in recent weeks has been primarily filled by Ben Rice, who has an offensive line of .250/.333/.530 with 12 home runs and 23 RBIs. Boone noted that different scenarios were already being considered to balance the appearances in that position. Rice could alternate as a catcher or cover first base to give Paul Goldschmidt a rest, Boone detailed, highlighting Rice’s work with coach Tanner Swanson. Stanton begins his eighth season with the Yankees, the team he joined after being acquired from the Marlins in 2017. In his career with New York, he has hit 162 home runs with a .241 average. In 2024, despite a regular season performance (.233 with 27 HR), he was decisive in the postseason, standing out with seven home runs in 14 games and winning the American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player award.