Yankees Get Discouraging Update on Giancarlo Stanton

After Wednesday's game, Boone revealed to the media that Stanton's calf had not healed enough to clear him for running activities. He will not be back as soon as the club had initially thought.

"It's still lingering there. Not any worse," Boone said. "He's upped what he's been able to do. But I don't think it allows us to clear him to really start ramping up the running yet."

This is certainly a less-than-ideal update for the Yankees because of how important Stanton is to their lineup. Stanton's numbers so far haven't been eye-popping, hitting .256/.302/.422 with three home runs and a 103 wRC+ in 96 plate appearances. But his value to the Bronx Bombers go beyond his individual production, as Stanton's presence gives the lineup yet another threat of home run power. It lengthens the batting order and gives the hitters both in front and behind him better pitches to hit, in a similar vein to Aaron Judge.

Stanton's injury initially created an opportunity for outfielder Jasson Dominguez to break into the lineup. But Dominguez would also land on the shelf by injuring his shoulder while making a tremendous catch at the wall on May 7 against the Texas Rangers; he received a PRP injection in his shoulder and was cleared of any concussion symptoms, but is still likely weeks away from a return. Spencer Jones was called up for his first taste of MLB action as a subsequent move, but he has just one hit in 12 at-bats so far.

With injuries taking their toll, the Yankees have lost five of their last six games after a 16-3 stretch. The update on Stanton came after New York was shut out by the Baltimore Orioles 7-0, mustering only one hit in a game that is emblematic of the lineup's recent struggles and attrition.

In contrast with the Stanton update, the Yankees did get a more encouraging sign from Fried after he left Wednesday's game pitching just three innings. Diagnosed with an elbow issue, the lefty described it as a hyperextension and isn't worried about a long-term absence, even being hopeful of making his next start.

Regardless, the Yankees have a desperately needed off-day on Thursday to nurse their wounds. They will look to snap out of their funk this weekend against the New York Mets, playing the first leg of the Subway Series at Citi Field.