Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton tweaked his calf while running the bases this week, manager Aaron Boone told reporters, including Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Stanton has been on the IL with a calf strain since late April. He was nearing a return to the team, potentially as soon as next week, but that may no longer be the case, per Boone.
It’s a tough development for a New York lineup that is already without reigning MVP Aaron Judge and has just lost Trent Grisham. Stanton’s continued absence solidifies the playing time for Paul Goldschmidt. The veteran played a part-time role at first base when Stanton was healthy, but has stepped into everyday reps with him sidelined. Ben Rice has slid from first base to DH with Stanton sidelined.
Stanton was off to a relatively slow start in the power department (three HRs), but he had delivered league-average results overall (101 wRC+). The 36-year-old had a .724 OPS through 24 games before the calf issue popped up. Stanton returned to the outfield last season after strictly DHing in 2024. He made 18 starts on defense. Stanton hasn’t played the outfield yet this season, and the calf injury makes it unlikely he’ll spend much time out there any time soon.
Persistent health issues have been a theme for Stanton this decade. He hasn’t reached 500 plate appearances since 2021. Achilles, hamstring, and elbow injuries have cost him time over the past four years. The right calf isn’t a new problem. Stanton strained it in 2021 and 2022, as well.
It’s unclear when Stanton might resume his recovery process. Boone mentioned that additional imaging on his injured calf might be needed after this setback. The Stanton, Judge, and Grisham injuries should provide plenty of runway for young outfielders Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones. Dominguez returned from a shoulder injury today. He launched a solo home run off Kevin Gausman in his first at-bat.
Photo courtesy of David Butler II, Imagn Images
