Giancarlo Stanton Offers Blunt Update on Elbow Pain and Timeline

Giancarlo Stanton is swinging again — and while the pain in his elbows hasn’t fully gone away, the Yankees slugger believes he’s heading in the right direction.

The New York Yankees designated hitter took regular batting practice on the field at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, a promising sign as he works his way back from lingering elbow issues. It was his second day hitting on the field in a row. 

Though there’s no exact return timetable, signs are pointing in the right direction.

“There’s always going to be a little [pain],” Stanton said of the discomfort in both elbows, per The Bergen Record’s Pete Caldera. But he emphasized that his presence in the lineup will depend more on function than feel. “If I’m out there, I’m good enough to play.”

According to reports, Stanton has played through this issue before, including last postseason, when he hit seven home runs in 16 games.

Since being acquired from the Marlins ahead of the 2018 season, Stanton’s injury history has been well-documented. He appeared in just 18 regular-season games in 2019 due to multiple injuries, missed more than half of the COVID-shortened 2020 season with a hamstring strain, and has battled various lower-body issues — including quad and Achilles strains — over the last several years.

Because of those recurring injuries, Stanton has primarily served as the Yankees’ DH. He hasn’t played the outfield since 2023.

In seven seasons with New York, he’s hit 103 home runs and slashed .241/.323/.483 in 663 games. He’s entering the 11th year of the 13-year, $325 million contract he originally signed with Miami. The Yankees owe him $32 million this season and $15 million in each of the next two. There is a club option for 2028.

With  DJ LeMahieu and Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the injured list, Stanton’s right-handed power would be a welcome addition to the lineup. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has said that because Stanton isn’t expected to play the field, his rehab may not require a minor league assignment.

The Yankees' injury update didn’t include a clear timeline, but Stanton’s progression suggests it might not be long.