Big G Back In The Bigs
Bridgewater, New Jersey – Yankees DH Giancarlo Stanton made his long-awaited return to the Big Leagues on Monday night after playing in a trio of rehab games with Somerset at TD Bank Ballpark last week. The five-time MLB All-Star combined to go 3-for-11 with a walk and 4 RBI during
Bridgewater, New Jersey – Yankees DH Giancarlo Stanton made his long-awaited return to the Big Leagues on Monday night after playing in a trio of rehab games with Somerset at TD Bank Ballpark last week. The five-time MLB All-Star combined to go 3-for-11 with a walk and 4 RBI during his stint with the Patriots in his first live game action of 2025.
Giancarlo Keeps Rollin' 🔥@Yankees DH Giancarlo Stanton clubs a 110.6 mph double to score top prospect George Lombard Jr.
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) June 11, 2025
Stanton is 3-for-4 with 4 RBI across two rehab games with Somerset 👀 pic.twitter.com/MCOaE9h2Pp
“Ready to rock,” said Stanton prior to action last Tuesday. “It’s been a long time coming so it’s good to get rolling.”
Stanton, who became the seventh big leaguer to rehab with Somerset this season, admitted that his preference would be to play in consecutive games before potentially returning to the big leagues. The Yankees DH checked that box and then some by playing in three consecutive games. The slugger showcased his patented strength by recording three hits that all recorded exit velocities well north of 100 MPH.
“This will tell me how close I am, said Stanton. “There’s no simulating a major league game, but if you want to get to as close as you can, you go to a minor league game.”
The 35-year-old Stanton, who was placed on the IL on 3/24 with both left and right elbow epicondylitis, began taking live batting practice in early May after missing all of spring training. The 2017 NL MVP then spent much of the last two weeks at the team’s player development facility in Tampa working to get back into game shape leading up to his rehab assignment.
“Just get a little routine going,” said Stanton of his time spent in Tampa. “Hit a lot of bases; just get a little routine.”
Stanton added, “I’ve just got to get some real at bats in a game.”
"Ready to rock."@Yankees DH Giancarlo Stanton says he will take three to five at-bats in his first rehab game with Somerset today. pic.twitter.com/6HuSYabpxq
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) June 10, 2025
Routine is something Stanton has certainly lacked since the Bombers fell to the Dodgers in the World Series last October. Stanton, who was the 2024 ALCS MVP, slugged 7 homers in 14 postseason games last season while dealing with discomfort in both of his elbows during the latter juncture of the playoffs. He said he expects to endure and manage a level of pain as he makes his return.
“Each mornings tell will be that one,” admitted Stanton. “That’s where we’re at and what we’ll have to do so I’ll figure it out as we go.”
After being activated from the 60-day IL on Monday, Stanton went 2-for-4 against the Angels in his season debut.
Matt Kardos | SomersetPatriots.com Senior Writer
Matt Kardos has covered the Yankees minor league system for over a decade and will spend his 13th season on the beat covering the Patriots for SomersetPatriots.com. Throughout his career, Matt has contributed to MLB.com, YES Network and Pinstriped Prospects. When he’s not at the ballpark, Matt enjoys traveling with his wife Kimberly, watching Jets football and collecting sports cards.