The New York Yankees have received some hopeful news. Giancarlo Stanton is nearing a comeback from injury, according to MLB.com. The team is unsure, however, whether the outfielder will require a rehab assignment in the minors.
The outfielder has been out for weeks with a hamstring problem. He is anticipated to return after the All-Star break, according to MLB.com. The Bronx Bombers are excited for his return, as they are tied with the Baltimore Orioles atop the American League East standings. The Yankees have struggled over the previous month to maintain their winning streak without Stanton or Anthony Rizzo. New York has a 58-39 record as of Sunday’s games.
The Yankees need Stanton’s bat in their lineup.
New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) gestures after hitting a double against the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium.
Stanton is hitting.246 this season, with 18 home runs. His offense isn’t as powerful as it once was, but his bat has helped relieve pressure on Yankees sluggers Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Stanton drove in 45 runs this season before getting hurt. His bat certainly provides a lot of pop to the attack.
The slugger, who also serves as designated hitter, is a lifelong player.259 hitter. He has played with the Yankees since the 2018 season. He also slugged for the Miami Marlins throughout his MLB career. Stanton, a five-time All-Star, led the National League in RBIs in 2017.
Stanton has also received two Silver Slugger Awards. He was the National League MVP during his final season with the Marlins. In 2017, he also led the National League in home runs, with 59. Stanton has not played a game for the Yankees since June 22.
Stanton has not been required to play the lead role in the Yankees’ offense. He’s been able to sit back and watch Judge and Soto for the majority of the season. This year, New York’s batters are putting on a clinic in terms of offense. This year, the Yankees lead Major League Baseball in runs batted in, according to league statistics. The squad is also second in home runs, trailing the Orioles. Surprisingly, the Bronx Bombers rank 11th in hits.
Yankees supporters are eagerly anticipating Stanton’s return. While the team wants him to be well, it also hopes that this will allow him to return to the lineup sooner rather than later. New York has struggled over the last few weeks, with slow play and a four-game losing run at one point. Stanton’s absence appeared to compound the team’s troubles.
The slugger has also made news in recent days for his romantic life. Stanton and his girlfriend broke up in recent weeks, according to the New York Post. Stanton had a relationship with a New York City hospitality worker.
On Sunday, the Yankees will face the Baltimore Orioles in a vital game. The winner of the game will seize the lead in the AL East. The game is still continuing at the time of writing.
