Giancarlo Stanton’s 2026 season appeared to be over, but New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Sunday that a return has not been ruled out yet, ahead of the Yankees’ series finale against the San Diego Padres, per Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News Sports.
The new update comes about two weeks after a recent setback complicated Stanton’s recovery: a moderate-grade strain to his left calf, suffered while running the bases during his rehab from an earlier right calf injury. Boone said that the Yankees weren’t “ruling anything out,” but acknowledged that the calendar was working against him.
The Yankees designated hitter was batting .256 with three home runs and 14 RBIs in 24 games in 2026. Stanton last appeared with the club on April 24 against the Houston Astros, when he felt tightness in his right calf while running the bases; it was later determined to be a right calf strain.
Stanton has unfortunately spent a lot of time in the last few seasons on the injured list with lower-leg injuries, not having played near a full 162-game season since 2018. Stanton is earning $29 million this season, followed by $25 million in 2027, with the team holding a $25 million option and a $10 million contract buyout in 2028.
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Even a partial return would be a boost for a Yankees team chasing a 28th World Series championship, especially with Stanton’s track record in October just two years ago when he won the 2024 ALCS MVP and helped send the Yankees to the World Series that year.
With Aaron Judge also expected back in the Yankees’ upcoming series against the Colorado Rockies, New York’s lineup could look considerably different by the time the postseason arrives.
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