New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton was activated off the team’s 60-day injured list earlier today and was inserted into the team’s active lineup, meaning the 2024 ALCS MVP is set to make his 2025 season debut tonight against the Los Angeles Angels. Stanton is currently slotted in the fifth spot of the starting lineup.
To make room for Stanton, the Yankees announced that outfielder Pablo Reyes was designated for assignment, which means he was removed from the team’s 40-man roster.
Giancarlo Stanton participated in three rehab games for the Double-A Somerset Patriots after missing all of Spring Training with tennis elbow in both arms. In 11 plate appearances, he recorded three hits, four RBIs, and one walk.
“His at-bats look good,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone on Saturday. “He’s very detailed and particular about how he feels. He feels like his timing is pretty good right now. He feels up to speed on the fastball. My sense, in the little bit of communication I’ve had with him this week, is that he feels like he’s close.”
Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Returned DH/OF Giancarlo Stanton (#27) from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 60-day injured list.
• Designated INF/OF Pablo Reyes for assignment.— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 16, 2025
With Stanton set to return to the lineup, the Yanks will probably have to make a change at the DH spot. First baseman Ben Rice has recorded the most starts as the Yankees’ designated hitter this season, going 41 for 164 with 12 home runs and 23 RBIs as the DH. Aaron Judge and Jasson Domínguez have also gotten starts at that spot, combining for 106 plate appearances as the team’s DH.
Even without Giancarlo Stanton in the lineup, the Yankees have thrived offensively this season. Not only do they have the second-best record in the American League, but they’re also second in the MLB in home runs (112), third in RBIs (356), and second in team slugging percentage (.455).
“I’ve even talked with Big G a month ago, talking through scenarios and things like that,” said Aaron Boone. “We’ll figure it out. Having a lot of good players is a good thing.”
Giancarlo Stanton was arguably the best player in the 2024 playoffs, leading all participants in home runs (seven) while finishing tied for the most RBIs in the postseason (16). Since being traded to the New York Yankees in 2018, he has been named an All-Star once (2022).
The Yankees are in the Bronx tonight, where they are set to begin a four-game homestand against the Los Angeles Angels. The first pitch in that contest is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EDT.
