The New York Yankees have been without Giancarlo Stanton since April thanks to a calf strain.
Stanton, 36, has been bothered by plenty of injuries in the last few years, but when he's healthy, he is a valuable member of the Yankees' offense. The Yankees' top priority is making sure he's healthy and ready to roll for October baseball. Even though they could use him to help their struggling offense, having him for the postseason is more important.
Stanton is going to be the team's designated hitter whenever he returns, so there is less reason to send him on a rehab assignment. The veteran also prefers to simply work in the cage before being activated. All of his running work can be done without sending him down to Triple-A for some games. Still, the Yankees are not ruling out a rehab assignment.
"There’s at least a chance of that,” manager Aaron Boone said of Stanton going on a rehab assignment, per the New York Post's Mark W. Sanchez.
Stanton has spent time on the injured list in all but one season since being traded to the Yankees. He did go on a rehab assignment last season after missing the first few months of the season and spring training, but was activated after just six days.
Before that, his last rehab assignment was in 2023. However, back then, he was still playing some outfield, so a rehab assignment was likely necessary. Now, all Stanton has to worry about is swinging the bat and running the bases. That work can be done without a trip to the minor leagues.