Spanish
NEW YORK.- The New York Yankees receive a key offensive boost tonight with the expected return of Giancarlo Stanton, who will make his 2025 season debut in the first game of the series against the Angels at Yankee Stadium. The team confirmed this Monday the official activation of the slugger from the injured list.
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Stanton, 35, missed all of spring training due to persistent discomfort in both elbows, a problem he has been dealing with since last season. During his recent rehabilitation assignment in Double-A Somerset, the slugger batted 3-for-11 (.273), with a double, four RBIs, and a walk in three games. To make room on the active roster, Dominican infielder Pablo Reyes was designated for assignment. "His at-bats look good," said manager Aaron Boone. "He has a good rhythm and is reacting well to fastballs. In our recent conversations, he seems confident and ready to return." Stanton's return also raises adjustments in the designated hitter (DH) rotation, a role that in recent weeks has been primarily occupied by "Ben Rice", who has an offensive line of .250/.333/.530 with 12 home runs and 23 RBIs. Boone noted that even before Stanton's return, different scenarios were already being considered to balance the appearances in that position. Rice could alternate as a receiver in some games or cover first base to give Paul Goldschmidt a rest, according to Boone, who highlighted Rice's ongoing work with coach Tanner Swanson. Stanton begins his eighth season with the Yankees, the team he joined after being acquired from the Marlins in 2017. In his career with New York, he has hit 162 home runs with a .241 average. In 2024, despite a regular performance in the season (.233 with 27 HR), he was decisive in the postseason, standing out with seven home runs in 14 games and winning the American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player award.
