The New York Yankees will welcome the Cleveland Guardians to Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night riding a strong wave of momentum, but the biggest story in the Bronx may be unfolding off the field.
Coming off an impressive 5-1 road trip against the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics, the Yankees received a significant boost to their lineup hopes on Tuesday. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that injured slugger Giancarlo Stanton will take live batting practice on Wednesday, marking a key step in his return from a lengthy absence.
Stanton has been sidelined since April 24, leaving a noticeable void in New York’s middle of the order. Prior to the injury, the 36-year-old designated hitter was batting .256 with 23 hits, three home runs, 14 RBIs, eight runs scored, and one stolen base across 24 games. While not yet at his peak MVP form, Stanton remains a dangerous presence capable of changing the outcome of a game with a single swing.
The positive update comes after encouraging signs in recent weeks. According to MLB.com, Stanton has continued hitting, incorporated plyometric exercises into his recovery, and underwent imaging during the week of May 25 that showed healing progress. He is now set to take live batting practice on June 3, with the possibility of a return to the active roster sometime in June.
Last season, Stanton demonstrated his enduring value by slashing .273 with 24 home runs and 66 RBIs in just 77 games. His presence provides the Yankees with much-needed power and experience, especially in a lineup that has performed well but could benefit from his thump in key situations.
This marks Stanton’s ninth season with the Yankees after spending the first eight years of his career with the Miami Marlins. A two-time Silver Slugger and five-time All-Star, he has long been one of baseball’s most physically imposing hitters.
Yankees Positioned Strong Entering Guardians Series
The Yankees currently sit in second place in the American League East with a solid 36-23 record through 59 games. They have been particularly strong at home, posting a 17-9 mark in 26 contests at Yankee Stadium. The three-game series against the Guardians offers a prime opportunity to gain ground in the division before hosting the rival Boston Red Sox beginning on Friday.
With Stanton inching closer to a potential return, the timing could hardly be better for a Yankees team that has already shown resilience without him. If Stanton can successfully progress through live at-bats and build up his readiness, his addition would represent a major upgrade for a club with legitimate postseason aspirations.
For now, all eyes will be on Wednesday’s batting practice session. A successful showing could set the stage for one of the more anticipated returns of the 2026 season.
