Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton has been sidelined with tendinitis in both elbows since spring training and has live at-bats “on the horizon,” manager Aaron Boone said before Sunday’s series finale against the Colorado Rockies: “I feel like he’s been fine for a while, so strengthening him will be the next key,” Boone said.
Stanton, 35, started this season on the injured list for the New York Yankees after hitting .233 last year with 27 home runs and 72 RBIs in 114 games. Boone was unsure whether Stanton would need rehab before his return or whether live at-bats would suffice.
“We want to make sure you’re ready”
“He no doubt will be part of that,” Boone said of the conversations about his next steps. “We’ll see what’s best. We just want to make sure he’s ready to play when he comes back. Obviously, this looks a little different for him as he’s not playing on the field. But still, it’s important to prepare him properly and give him a kind of spring training simulation, although, I repeat, it looks different than most players.”
Will Stanton have to deal with the pain?
“I think he’s felt fine,” Boone said. “So, yeah, I’m not sure how to answer that. I mean, there may be times of the year when it hurts or something like that.”
Infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is recovering from a right oblique strain has been “pretty good,” Boone said, and completed: “I hope he’s ready this week for at-bats or rehab.”
As for the pitching, right-hander Marcus Stroman (left knee inflammation) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session on Tuesday. Right-hander Fernando Cruz (shoulder inflammation) was scheduled to pitch Sunday. “It looks like he’s doing pretty well,” Boone said.
When asked when he might start thinking about roster decisions when Stanton returns, Boone replied sarcastically: “When he comes back.“
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