There was only good news coming from Giancarlo Stanton's rehab down in Tampa to start this week, but then it was seen he was held out of another rehab game on Tuesday.
Multiple reports found out why following the Yankees' win over the Orioles tonight, stating Stanton felt calf/knee soreness after getting hit by a pitch during batting practice. Manager Aaron Boone called it "precautionary" that he was held out, and said he may be able to play in Wednesday night's game.
This news came after a report from SNY's Andy Martino that said Stanton could return to the Yankees this weekend if all went well down in Tampa. It is unknown whether or not that has since been pushed back due to this situation.
Stanton has been working his way back from his shoulder strain following a rehab stint for a biceps strain. And he has been progressing well in doing so, as he played his first rehab game with the Class A Tampa Tarpons on Monday night. He went 1-for-3 with a homer and two strikeouts.
After the game, Stanton admitted feeling good to finally get back on the field and face live pitching.
"Yeah, that was good," he said told the Tampa media on Monday. "Good to get some defensive innings and get some at-bats, too. I'm going to DH tomorrow [Tuesday] here and play Wednesday and go from there."
Hear what #Yankees OF @Giancarlo818 had to say following is first rehab game with the #Tarpons. pic.twitter.com/BXB6sXTfCw
- Tampa Tarpons (@TampaTarpons) May 21, 2019
There is no known timetable for the veteran slugger, but Stanton did say he will likely talk to Cashman after Wednesday's final game in Tampa to see what he should do next. And as Martino points out, Stanton could travel to Kansas City with the Yankees if his improved health continues.
"Well, they know the plan so probably Wednesday we'll touch base after tomorrow and see the next steps," Stanton said about talking to Cashman.
In the meantime, the Yankees have more than picked up the slack left through their injury-riddled start to the season. With players like Stanton and Aaron Judge still out of the lineup, the Yankees have been winning thanks to the likes of DJ LeMahieu, Gio Urshela, and the rest of the team stepping up in big spots.
New York has won eight of their last 10 games entering tonight, and took over as AL East leaders.
"Yeah, it's fun to watch," Stanton said. "Without being there, of course, it's really cool to see a lot of these guys stepping up and playing their hearts out. They've been playing well and I want to get back on the field."
Getting another bat like Stanton's back in the lineup only means more good things for the Yankees. And it appears it will be coming soon.