BOSTON — With Giancarlo Stanton not expected at Fenway Park this weekend, Aaron Boone said the Yankees are targeting their upcoming series against the Angels for the slugger’s 2025 debut.
“I expect him, in some way, shape or form, in the Angels series, to be in play,” Boone said Saturday.
The manager added that Stanton’s return “could be” on Monday or Tuesday “depending on weather machinations.” The Yankees’ three-game series against the Halos begins on Monday night at Yankee Stadium.
Boone, who spoke to Stanton earlier in the day, also said that the elements would factor into whether the designated hitter played in a fourth rehab game at Double-A Somerset on Saturday night. Stanton was not in the Patriots’ lineup.
Stanton played in three straight games for Somerset between Tuesday and Thursday. He went 3-for-11 with one double, four RBI, one walk and two strikeouts in his first games since the 2024 World Series.
On Friday, Boone said he’s been “pleased” with what he’s seen from Stanton’s rehab assignment so far.
“His at-bats look good,” the skipper said. “He’s very detailed and particular about how he feels. He feels like his timing is pretty good right now and that he feels up to speed on the fastball and things like that.
“Some of the at-bats I’ve seen, I feel like he’s recognizing balls out of the zone and things like that, and he looks strong to me when he lets go.”
TOMMY JOHN FOR COUSINS?
Boone also said that Jake Cousins is “moving towards” Tommy John surgery, but nothing has been finalized.
The reliever, who initially went on the injured list with a flexor strain and then dealt with a pec issue, was recently pulled from his rehab assignment after being bothered by his elbow. He then underwent an MRI and met with team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad.
Whether or not Cousins goes under the knife, his injury stresses the Yankees’ need to acquire a reliever or two before the trade deadline. The team expects Luke Weaver to return from a hamstring strain, but the bullpen would benefit from another high-leverage reliever.
LATEST ON GIL
Finally, Boone said that Luis Gil (lat) is still 10-14 days from throwing to live hitters. Gil has to throw a few more bullpen sessions first.
With Gil having yet to throw a big league pitch this season, the Yankees could also pursue starting pitching before the trade deadline. While the team hopes to have the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year back in top form, banking on that may not be the wisest move for a team that could stand to improve its rotation depth.
