New York Yankees All-Star slugger Giancarlo Stanton hasn’t played this season as he’s dealing with tendinitis in both elbows.
Stanton, who’s in the 11th year of a 13-year, $325 million deal, is finally making progress, and could be nearing a return.
More news: Yankees $5.1 Million Rookie Outfielder Makes MLB History With Insane Home Run Feat
On Sunday, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman provided an update on the 35-year-old slugger in a conversation on MLB Network’s Radio.
“Stanton has been doing everything,” Cashman said. “He’s kind of completed his base running now. He’s been hitting for a long time with that tremendous BP machine we have, so he’s been getting live at-bats.”
Cashman also provided a rough timeline for the slugger’s return.
More news: Rafael Devers Back to Third Base? Alex Bregman Injury Could Create More Red Sox Drama
“He’s scheduled for live BP for the next two weeks and I think he’s getting really close to doing a rehab assignment thereafter,” Cashman said.
New York Yankees/Getty Images
Stanton would likely be on the rehab assignment for a week or more, meaning he could be on track for a return in late June assuming this timeline is accurate.
The Yankees have been able to remain afloat without Stanton, as they’re currently first in the American League East with a record of 31-20. Entering Sunday’s play, they’re only one game back of the Detroit Tigers for the best record in the AL.
Even without Stanton — who is the active MLB leader in home runs with 429 — the Bronx Bombers have lived up to their name, leading the league with 86 home runs and an OPS of .829.
More news: Mets’ Juan Soto Wanted to Re-Sign With Yankees in Free Agency, Says New York Insider
Nevertheless, adding Stanton will be a huge boost, as he’s still one of the game’s best home run hitters at the age of 35.
Last year, across 114 games, Stanton slashed .233/.298/.475 with 27 home runs, 72 RBIs and an OPS of .773. He was even better in the postseason, hitting .273 with seven home runs, 16 RBIs and an OPS of 1.048 across 14 playoff games. He even won the ALCS MVP award.
Stanton will be a huge addition to a Yankees lineup that has been thriving behind AL MVP favorite Aaron Judge. Entering Sunday, Judge is slashing .395/485/.759 with 18 home runs, 46 RBIs and an OPS of 1.244.
More news: Way Too Early MLB Awards Predictions — MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and More
For more MLB news, head over to Newsweek Sports.