Giancarlo Stanton injury update: Has Aaron Boone revealed a clear timeline for his return to the lineup?

As of June 4, the New York Yankees sit comfortably atop the American League East with a 37-22 record. What’s been particularly impressive is how they’ve stayed dominant despite key injuries, most notably to ace Gerrit Cole and power-hitting slugger Giancarlo Stanton.

While Cole’s season appears lost, Stanton’s situation has become more layered and intriguing.

Aaron Boone gives fresh insight into Giancarlo Stanton’s recovery

The former NL MVP has yet to make his 2025 debut, still recovering from a nagging "tennis elbow" injury he sustained during Spring Training. Initially, no timeline was set for a rehab assignment, creating growing uncertainty among fans and insiders alike. But on Wednesday, ahead of a pivotal matchup against the Cleveland Guardians, manager Aaron Boone offered a fresh—if still ambiguous—update.“Giancarlo Stanton had a workout day in Tampa on Wednesday. He’s likely headed back to New York,” Boone said, via Gary Phillips of The New York Daily News. “But I don’t know the next step, if it’s a rehab assignment or what. Hopefully we’ll have that in the next 24 hours.”

The news that Stanton worked out in Tampa is a step forward, but the next phase of his return remains clouded in uncertainty. He didn’t take part in live at-bats this week, though he has previously faced teammate Jake Cousins in a simulated session back in early May. Still, the question remains—what role will he play upon returning, and when will that return actually happen?Boone’s vague tone underscores the balancing act he faces.

Stanton’s 2024 stats—27 home runs and 72 RBI over 114 games—highlight what he brings to the table. Yet, the current Yankees lineup is thriving without him. With the second-highest OPS, slugging percentage, and total home runs in the league, trailing only the Dodgers, Boone may soon have to make a tough decision.“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” comes to mind. But it’s not that simple. Stanton’s return, especially after dominating the Guardians in last year’s ALCS, could shake up the lineup chemistry.

The Yankees opened the current series against Cleveland with a 3-2 win and now boast the best run differential in the AL following Detroit’s loss.The coming days could determine whether Stanton embarks on a rehab assignment or continues to work behind the scenes. Either way, his situation looms large—not just for his own timeline, but for how the Yankees manage one of MLB’s most potent lineups moving forward.Also Read: Randy Johnson's legendary No. 51 to be retired by Mariners in 2026, honoring franchise’s pitching icon