Yankees have no update on injured slugger, has indefinite return date
· Yahoo Sports
The New York Yankees have spent much of the 2026 MLB season battling injuries to key players. Although the Aaron Judge injury hurts the most, perhaps no situation has been more frustrating than the one involving veteran slugger Giancarlo Stanton. When Stanton landed on the injured list in late April, the expectation was that his absence would be relatively short. Instead, the Yankees are now approaching the All-Star break, and there is still no clear timeline for his return. Even worse, the latest news doesn’t offer much optimism.
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Another Setback Delays Recovery
Apr 8, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesStanton appeared to be making progress just a few weeks ago, as he had resumed baseball activities and seemed to be moving closer to a rehab assignment. That momentum quickly came to a halt after he suffered a setback.
Now, according to Yankees insider Brian Hoch, Stanton remained in New York on Monday rather than traveling with the team to Tampa, and he has yet to resume running since the setback, an indication that his recovery has stalled once again.
Manager Aaron Boone didn’t have much additional information to offer. “We’ve been listening to the body, and we expect Stanton to return at some point this season,” Boone said. While that’s certainly better than ruling him out for the year, it also confirms there is no definitive timetable for when the veteran slugger will be back in the lineup.
The Yankees Can’t Wait Forever
Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (left) is congratulated by right fielder Aaron Judge (right) after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesFor Yankees fans, the uncertainty is becoming increasingly difficult to stomach. The club is already without Aaron Judge, who is expected to miss several more weeks, leaving New York without the two biggest power threats in its lineup.
At some point, the front office has to stop planning around who might return and instead focus on the players who are available today.
Deadline Strategy Should Change
With the MLB trade deadline quickly approaching, the Yankees need to operate under the assumption that Stanton may not provide meaningful contributions during the second half of the season. If he returns, it will be a bonus.
But relying on an injury-prone player coming off another setback is a dangerous strategy for a team with World Series aspirations. New York is expected to be active before the deadline, and adding another impact bat should become an even greater priority. The Yankees simply can’t afford to assume Judge and Stanton will ride in and save the offense.
Championship teams prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. Given the lack of progress surrounding Stanton’s recovery, that’s exactly how the Yankees should approach the weeks leading up to the trade deadline.
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