Giancarlo Stanton, the designated hitter for the New York Yankees, has officially been activated from the injured list and is set to make his season debut against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night. He will bat fifth in the lineup, marking a significant return for the team.
Stanton’s comeback comes after he has missed the first 70 games of the season due to elbow injuries, with concerns earlier in the season that he might require surgery and could be sidelined for the entire year. This positive development is particularly encouraging for the Yankees, who currently hold a 3½-game lead in the American League East as they prepare for Monday’s matchup.
At 35 years old, Stanton has delivered strong performances throughout his career, posting above-average statistics in all but one of his 15 seasons in the majors. Last season, he recorded a slash line of .233/.298/.475 with 27 home runs over 114 games. As he returns to action, he sits just 81 home runs short of the impressive milestone of 500 career home runs. Notably, his last appearance was during the postseason when he played an integral role in the Yankees’ American League pennant victory, hitting .273/.339/.709 with seven home runs over 14 games.
In Stanton’s absence, Ben Rice primarily filled the DH role, impressing with a performance that has seen him batting .227/.311/.460, earning a 113 OPS+. Manager Aaron Boone noted the potential for Rice to also take on catching duties in the future to keep him in the lineup, showcasing the team’s depth and adaptability as they move forward.
Stanton’s return offers a much-needed boost to the Yankees lineup as they seek to maintain their standing. His experience and power-hitting capability can significantly enhance the team’s performance as they head into the middle of the season with optimism.