Giancarlo Stanton Set to Rejoin Yankees Against Angels

After a long, frustrating rehab from dual elbow injuries, Giancarlo Stanton finally made his 2025 season debut for the New York Yankees. His return adds yet another twist to a team already juggling lineup headaches and a growing injury list.

The slugger’s strong showing in an 11-inning 1-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels gave Yankees fans both hope and a reminder of the ongoing challenges. Stanton’s power remains tantalizing, but recent injuries hang over every at-bat.

Giancarlo Stanton’s Impactful Return

Stanton missed the first 70 games of the 2025 season with brutal tendon injuries in both elbows. He came back swinging, though, and went 2-for-4 with a double and three balls hit hard.

Batting fifth, the 35-year-old looked sharp, even as the Yankees dropped an 11-inning pitchers’ duel. His performance sparked the lineup and gave a glimpse of what he can still offer in the Bronx.

Stanton gutted through pain all through 2024 and then shined in October, grabbing ALCS MVP honors with seven home runs in 14 postseason games. The offseason, though, was rough—he couldn’t swing a bat for nearly three months and only got back to baseball work in late March.

The late start to 2025 set him back, but now he’s back in the mix. The Yankees could use a game-changer, especially at this point in the season.

The Yankee Faithful Welcome Stanton Back

Yankees fans didn’t waste a second showing Stanton their appreciation. He got a standing ovation in his first plate appearance at Yankee Stadium, a moment that showed just how much he still means to the city.

Moments like that stick with you. Stanton’s connection with the fans is real, even as he fights to stay healthy in the later years of his career.

Lineup Adjustments in a Crowded Offense

Stanton’s return makes the Yankees’ lineup puzzle even trickier, especially at DH and the corner outfield spots. Manager Aaron Boone says Stanton won’t play every day—how he feels after each game will decide his availability.

That means Boone has to juggle his workload and still get the most out of his bat. It’s not an easy balance, and there’s no perfect answer.

Stanton’s activation has a domino effect. Ben Rice, who’s been the main DH with 43 starts there, might get shifted to catcher so his bat doesn’t leave the lineup.

The Yankees’ depth is both a blessing and a headache. Boone will have to shuffle pieces to keep the offense humming.

The Roster Moves to Accommodate Stanton

To make room for Stanton, the Yankees designated utility man Pablo Reyes for assignment. Reyes brought some versatility in the field, but with Stanton back, his role just didn’t fit anymore.

That move shows how much the team wants to get its star power back on the field, even if it costs them a bit of flexibility.

The Yankees also announced that pitcher Jake Cousins will get Tommy John surgery and should miss most of 2026. Cousins’ injury isn’t directly tied to Stanton, but it’s another reminder of the injury issues this team just can’t seem to shake.

What Stanton’s Return Means for the Yankees

The Yankees are at a crossroads. Stanton’s back, and that brings hope, but also some pressure.

His power in the lineup is a real boost to a team with October on its mind. But his health is still a big question mark. The Yankees have to manage his workload and keep their playoff push alive at the same time.

If Stanton can even come close to his 2024 postseason form, the Yankees have a shot to make some noise. His presence takes heat off the other sluggers, too, and could spread the load.

But if injuries crop up again, it’s another hurdle for a team already missing pitching depth after Cousins’ surgery. It’s a lot to juggle—and there are no guarantees in baseball.

The Long Road Ahead

Giancarlo Stanton’s season debut kind of reminds us—baseball’s a game of perseverance. At 35, he’s had more than his share of setbacks.

Still, Stanton’s knack for rising above adversity keeps inspiring people. The Yankees might just need him to click with the lineup if they want a real shot in 2025.

Fans, teammates, and the whole organization will watch closely as Stanton tries to navigate the months ahead. Can he actually stay on the field?

Will his return light a spark in the Yankees’ offense? Every game, every at-bat, every swing—it all matters for a team desperate to claw back among baseball’s elite.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sources: Yanks’ Stanton to be activated off IL