Stanton lands on IL with Achilles tendinitis
NEW YORK -- One week after being crowned the Most Valuable Player of the All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium, Giancarlo Stanton landed on the 10-day injured list with left Achilles tendinitis on Tuesday, retroactive to Sunday.
Stanton did not start in three of the Yanks’ first five games coming out of the All-Star break, though manager Aaron Boone had said he expected Stanton to return for Tuesday’s Subway Series contest against the Mets at Citi Field. Stanton requested an MRI during Monday’s off-day that revealed the tendinitis, according to Boone.
“Yesterday, I got a call in the afternoon from our trainers saying, ‘G requested an MRI,’ and I said, ‘On what?’” Boone said. “He woke up really sore getting around and doing some things. We’re hoping it’s a minor thing, and [we] believe that.”
In a corresponding move, the Yankees recalled outfielder Tim Locastro from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Though Gleyber Torres started as the Yanks’ designated hitter on Tuesday, Stanton’s absence could mean more reps at DH for Matt Carpenter.
Boone said that he anticipates Stanton could rejoin the active roster in two to three weeks, depending on how he responds to treatment.
The 32-year-old Stanton has slashed .228/.309/.498 with 24 home runs and 61 RBIs in 80 games this season. Over his last 32 games (since June 14), Stanton hit .157 (18-for-115) with 11 homers, 21 RBIs and 39 strikeouts.
“From a timing standpoint, hopefully it’s something that serves him and us well and recharges him for the stretch,” Boone said.
This marks the second IL stint of the season for Stanton, who was out from late May to early June with a right calf strain. Boone had said that Stanton mentioned being “exhausted” before traveling west for the All-Star Game; Boone said that he would not second-guess Stanton’s decision to participate in the Midsummer Classic.
“If we were in a playoff situation right now, it’s probably something that he’d grind through,” Boone said. “It’s not something that’s debilitating him right now. I think over the last week or 10 days, he just felt normal wear and tear, potentially how you feel this time of year sometimes.”