Stanton Nears Return to Outfield as Yankees Ramp Up Rehab
New York — Giancarlo Stanton is closing in on a return to the outfield for the Yankees, with manager Aaron Boone saying Friday there’s a good chance he’ll be back in the mix soon after nearly two years away from the position.
Stanton has spent most of this season anchored at designated hitter while Aaron Judge works his way back from a flexor tendon strain in his right elbow. On Friday, Stanton was not in the starting lineup for the third straight game as New York opened a three-game set with the AL West-leading Houston Astros, but he did appear as a pinch-hitter in the 10th inning.
Boone indicated that Stanton could be back in the lineup as early as Saturday. “Good chance you could see it tomorrow,” Boone said. Stanton has not played the outfield since September 14, 2023, in Boston and last appeared in the outfield at Yankee Stadium on September 9, 2023, against Milwaukee.
This season, Stanton has started at DH for 32 games after missing the first 70 games due to inflammation in the tendons of both elbows. His only appearance since Judge’s return from injury came Tuesday as a pinch-hitter in the ninth, which ended in a ground into a double play.
To test his readiness, Stanton spent about 45 minutes Friday taking batting-practice-fielding work, fielding soft fly balls and grounders from third-base coach Luis Rojas. The session included flies hit from near first and second base and concluded with more fly balls from the first-base side of the mound.
“He’s always been a quality outfielder,” Boone said. “Some range is going to be limited obviously, but I do feel like he’ll make the plays that need to be made.”
Judge, meanwhile, began a throwing program on Wednesday. He has been building up his arm with soft throws from about 90 feet, along with routine fly-ball work, as he progresses toward a full return to the outfield.
Stanton’s career arc has long been overshadowed by injury. Since joining the Yankees in 2017, he has not played more than 72 games in the field, and he’s logged just 71 games as an outfielder since the start of the 2022 season. The 35-year-old did not play a full season in 2019-2024 due to a series of injuries, including elbow issues, biceps strains, hamstring strains, knee and ankle problems, among others.
This season, Stanton is batting .268 with 10 homers and 28 RBIs in 37 games, and he hit four homers in nine games during Judge’s absence. Last season, he appeared in 114 games, hit .233 with 27 homers and 72 RBIs, and delivered seven homers in 14 postseason games to earn AL Championship Series MVP honors.
What it means for the Yankees: If Stanton can handle outfield duties on a limited basis, the team could gain more flexibility in their lineup and potentially allow Judge to share DH duties more evenly with off-days for his arm and body. The Yankees will continue to monitor Stanton’s comfort level and performance as he ramps up the workload.
Summary: Stanton is moving toward a controlled return to the outfield, supported by careful ramp‑up and managerial caution. If he remains healthy on a limited basis, New York could gain a valuable addition to a lineup already relying on Judge’s return and a steady DH role for Stanton. Look for updates over the next few games to see how he responds in the field.