Stanton homers for 5th time in 4 rehab games
Giancarlo joined by Judge in Triple-A as superstars near return to Yanks
CHICAGO -- The Yankees' season-long battle with injuries to two superstar middle-of-the-order bats may be coming to an end, with the returns of both Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge on the horizon.
After his first rehab stint was derailed by left calf tightness, the 2017 National League MVP homered three times in his first two games in his latest stint with Class A Tampa, and he joined Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in Durham on Friday.
Stanton's power surge has traveled with him during his rehab stint as he homered again in his Triple-A debut in Durham, giving him a home run in all four of his rehab starts dating back to his first rehab stint on May 20.
“It’s good to get results. More importantly is that he’s feeling good,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before Thursday night’s game against the White Sox. “I spoke to him about an hour ago, and even in the conversations I’ve had with him in the last few days, I could tell, physically, he’s in a really good place.”
Boone added that Stanton, who initially went on the injured list with a left biceps strain on April 1 before sustaining a left shoulder strain, will likely play all three games in Durham this weekend. Should things go well, the Yankees could activate him as soon as Tuesday vs. Tampa Bay.
Judge, who has been sidelined with a left oblique strain since April 21, joined Stanton in Durham on Friday.
The Yankees have managed to go 31-16 without Stanton and Judge in the lineup, and while several players have stepped up in their absence, New York will certainly welcome the boost from its two premier sluggers.