The New York Yankees are welcoming back slugger Giancarlo Stanton just in time for their matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. This comes after a disappointing weekend where the Yankees struggled offensively, scoring only four runs in a three-game sweep against the Boston Red Sox—marking their worst offensive performance at Fenway Park in over a century.
Stanton, sidelined all season due to elbow injuries, will be a key addition to the Yankees lineup as they seek to rebound from their recent struggles. He is set to make his 2025 season debut as the designated hitter and will bat fifth against Angels pitcher José Soriano.
While Stanton’s performance has dipped recently, with a .231 batting average over the past four seasons, he remains a significant power hitter, boasting 117 home runs in 464 games. Notably, he showcased his capabilities last October with seven postseason home runs and an impressive 1.048 OPS, reminding fans of his elite potential.
The Yankees currently lead the American League in home runs, with Stanton’s return expected to bolster their offensive capabilities alongside star Aaron Judge. However, this poses a challenge for manager Aaron Boone, as he must consider how to integrate Stanton back into the lineup without diminishing the contributions of younger players like Ben Rice. Rice has been performing well in Stanton’s absence, hitting 12 home runs and showcasing a .771 OPS, although he has seen a drop-off in his performance recently.
Overall, Stanton’s comeback brings added firepower to the Yankees as they look to regain their momentum and improve their standing in the league.