New York Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton suffers season-threatening setback
New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton could miss the remainder of the baseball season after suffering a moderate left calf strain while rehabilitating a previous injury.
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Saturday that the 36-year-old sustained the fresh setback when he fell running the bases this week.
The veteran slugger has been sidelined since April with a right calf issue and was nearing a return to first-team action.
“What that means moving forward, we’re not ruling anything out,” Boone said.
“He’ll obviously continue to work to try and get it right and hopefully be available. Obviously, we’re at a point in the calendar where it gets challenging, but you also never know.”
A nightmare year for the veteran
The potential Hall of Famer has featured in just 24 games this campaign, suffering his initial injury against the Houston Astros on 24 April.
The franchise originally described that issue as a low-grade strain, but the former National League MVP suffered a secondary calf strain in mid-June before this latest left calf problem.
He leads all active Major League Baseball players with 456 career home runs and remains under contract for $25m (£19.7m) next season.
“Obviously, bummed for him,” Boone added.
“Been working his tail off every single day here trying to get this thing right. I think you all know how bad he wants to be on that field and contributing to a championship.”
Bellinger returns as Judge makes progress
While the Yankees navigate this significant offensive blow, they will welcome Cody Bellinger back from the injured list on Sunday.
The outfielder successfully completed a two-game rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after recovering from a hamstring strain.
“That was good to get those in there to feel good,” Bellinger stated.
Meanwhile, Aaron Judge continues his recovery from a stress fracture in a rib sustained in late May.
The star outfielder has recently progressed to hitting off a tee alongside throwing and running drills.
“For him now it’s just about getting the body built up,” Boone noted.
“As much as the injury, it’s also about the inactivity of getting the strength and the endurance of the reps and things like that. But he seems to be doing well.”