Giancarlo Stanton Returns to Yankees Lineup
After a lengthy absence of 70 games, Giancarlo Stanton made his long-awaited return to the Yankees on Monday night. His first game of the 2025 season was met with a warm standing ovation, which he deemed “great,” even though the Yankees ultimately lost 1–0 to the Angels in 11 innings.
“I’m just really happy to be back. I obviously want to win, but being out there again is a good feeling,” Stanton expressed following the game.
Stanton had been sidelined since spring training due to tendon issues in both elbows. In just four plate appearances, he managed to achieve two hits—one being a single in the fourth inning and another against Angels closer Kenley Jansen in the ninth.
Though his performance included those hits, Stanton admitted he was frustrated about a missed opportunity when he hit a grounder that went from third to first in the first inning against Angels starter Jose Soriano. “I guess it was just the wrong time for those hits. I really needed that first one,” he remarked. “But still, I connected well with some pitches, and that’s a positive.”
Before Stanton’s re-entry into the game, he had a successful three-game stint in Double A Somerset, going 3-for-3. Manager Aaron Boone noted that Stanton had a “really good day of work” leading into his comeback. “He’s built some good momentum over the past few months. His hand strength is back, which is encouraging,” Boone stated.
Even as the Yankees navigate the season without five All-Stars, they maintain a solid grip on first place in the AL East, holding a 2.5-game lead over the Rays. Their lineup, which also includes Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, Ben Rice, and Jasson Domínguez, is constantly being shuffled as Boone seeks to establish regular at-bats.
“Whatever helps us win is what matters most,” Stanton emphasized, recalling the pressure from last season’s playoffs when he was pulled frequently as a pinch hitter during their World Series run. “Even players who haven’t started can have huge impacts in those moments.”
