ST. PETERSBURG – Giancarlo Stanton has not resumed running since his latest setback recovering from a right calf strain, and it’s anyone’s guess when the Yankees’ slugger might be ready to rejoin the lineup.
Stanton did not travel with the Yankees to Tropicana Field as they opened a four-game series against the Rays. The 36-year-old has not played since April 24 in Houston.
“I’m surprised it’s been this long,” manager Aaron Boone said.
Boone said the Yankees do expect Stanton to return this season. He sustained the injury while jogging between first and second base, then re-injured the calf while running bases at Yankee Stadium in mid-June.
Stanton has been able to increase his treadmill work, Boone said.
“We’ve just been listening to the body, following when he has gotten the images and things like that,” Boone said. “What he’s been able to tolerate, we’ve been able to do.”
This is Stanton’s seventh stint on the injured list since 2021. Stanton hasn’t played a full season since ‘18, his first in New York.
Over the past several years, Stanton has missed time with a left quad strain (2021), right ankle inflammation (‘22), left Achilles tendinitis (‘22), left hamstring strains (‘23, ’24) and epicondylitis in both elbows (‘25).
Stanton was batting .256 with three homers and 14 RBIs in 24 games at the time of his initial injury.
With Stanton shelved, Ben Rice has tallied the Yankees’ most plate appearances as a designated hitter this season (149 entering Monday), followed by Stanton (95) and Paul Goldschmidt (47).