Yankees activate Giancarlo Stanton ahead of four-game series vs Angels in the Bronx
NEW YORK - Giancarlo Stanton is back, and the AL East-leading Yankees' lineup is a little more dangerous.
On the injured list since Opening Day due to what amounted to severe tennis elbow in both elbows, Stanton was activated by the Yankees prior to Monday night's four-game series opener against the Angels.
May 20, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees injured designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton works out before a game against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
To make roster room, the Yankees designated utilityman Pablo Reyes for assignment.
Stanton managed his elbow issues most of last season and through the postseason, when he went on an offensive tear - launching seven homers in 14 games and claiming the AL Championship Series MVP.
The slugging designated hitter is coming off a three-game minor league rehab stint at Class AA Somerset, going 3-for-11 with a double, four RBI, one walk and three strikeouts.
Stanton had three hits, including an RBI double, during his first two rehab games and Yankees manager Aaron Boone - having viewed the at-bats on video - felt Stanton "looked really good'' and was "moving in a good direction.''
The two also exchanged text messages, with Boone saying that Stanton "felt good about'' his initial at-bats.
In the Yankees' current lineup, Ben Rice - who'd been getting regular at-bats at DH - is the player most impacted by Stanton's return, but Boone mentioned getting Rice some starts at catcher, as well as first base and DH.
